Pride Week has kicked off in Hamilton with a ceremony at the central police station, where for the first time, Hamilton Police have raised the Pride flag to show their support.
It was just after 9:30 this morning the historic moment came for the force and the city’s LGBT community. Chief Glenn De Caire alongside Deirdre Pike, a social planner and community activist sent the rainbow flag up to stay for the duration of Hamilton’s pride week.
It’s a very important symbol and police say they are pleased to have it fly outside of their station, making them the third service in Ontario to raise it for Pride Week. It promotes the principles of equality and dignity for all.
Even though Canadians are becoming more open and accepting, there are still people who experience violence, assault and verbal abuse because of their gender and sexual orientation. Chief De Caire spoke about their hate crime analysis during the ceremony today.
Article source: CHCH
