Oxford Town Hall was visited overnight Friday (June 6th) by a person with hatred in their heart and mind. The Pride flag, flown on the Town Hall building in recognition of Pride Month, was taken down from its mount and thrown into the Black River. It was found and returned to town hall by local children later Friday afternoon.
Oxford Mayor Greg Henley, who earlier proclaimed Pride Month in Oxford, says: “Canada has come long way in the acceptance of the Pride community. Regrettably, this incident demonstrates we still have some challenges to overcome.”
Emma Brown, Co-chair of the Cumberland Pride Committee, says “I’m disappointed, but not surprised. We have worked so hard towards equality and diversity and basic respect for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, however, hateful acts like this remind us that we still have much work to do. But, knowing that two youth retrieved the flag and brought it back warms my heart and this young generation gives me renewed hope.”
This vandalism, though it is much more than that (potentially classified as a hate crime), is now in the hands of the RCMP. If the public has any leads or information regarding this act, they are encouraged to contact the Oxford RCMP (902-447-2525) or town hall <info@oxfordns.ca>
Our society has its cycles, its ebbs and flows, its changing values and traditions. But human rights are not up for debate. Homosexual activity was legalized in 1969. In 1995, sexual orientation was identified as constitutionally protected. In 2022, any sort of conversion therapy was banned in our country, as those opposed to the free expression of one’s gender had in years prior begun to push the belief that people who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) needed to be “cured”, even if by force.
Whether one’s personal convictions, religious beliefs, or general attitude leads them to have a different viewpoint, the fact is that human beings have always placed themselves at various points along the gender spectrum. No-one has a right, moral or legal, to diminish another person’s expression of personal identity.
Town of Oxford: Pride Month Proclamation
Pride Month
June 2025
WHEREAS Oxford’s two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, (2SLGBTQ+) * community is a vibrant and proud group within the community at large;
WHEREAS the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies collaborate to make Oxford a safe and positive community for all by raising Safer Space awareness and celebrating the diversity of our citizens;
WHEREAS the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies recognize a gender/sexuality alliance is imperative to the well-being of all;
WHEREAS the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies encourage dialogue as a tool towards an inclusive society that celebrates diversity in the Oxford area;
THEREFORE I, Greg Henley, Mayor of Oxford, on behalf of Oxford Town Council proclaim June 2025, as Pride Month in Oxford, recognizing that everyone has the right to live in conditions of dignity, respect, and peace regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Dated at Oxford, Nova Scotia
this 1st day of June, 2025
