Minister supports Woodstock policy effectively excluding Pride banners

New Brunswick's minister of education, and former Woodstock town councillor, says he supports the current council's decision to limit which banners can be flown from municipal lampposts.

Woodstock falls in Progressive Conservative MLA Bill Hogan's riding. When asked Friday about the controversial town policy to only fly heritage and tourism banners and deny an exemption to pride groups, he said it's fair.

"It's not targeted at any one group," he said.

"I don't know why they took that personal and the way they did. I think it's unfortunate. I support the mayor and council and their actions."

The Rainbow Crosswalk, an 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group, asked council for an exemption to the rule, but they were denied. 

Amanda Lightbody, president of the Woodstock-based Pride group, said the banners were first flown in response to rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate in the community, including vandalism of a rainbow crosswalk. 

Hogan did not answer a follow up question about the impact of this policy on inclusivity in Woodstock.

It's a 'neutral position,' says mayor

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones previously said the town receives a "multitude" of requests, and council landed on a "a neutral position" to stick with heritage and tourism banners "to ensure we are being fair and consistent with proclamations, banners, flags and lighting requests."

Lightbody said the argument of neutrality is sometimes used to silence advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. The mayor vehemently denied that any member of town council is bigoted or homophobic.

Hogan is entitled to his own opinion on this issue, and her organization is continuing to support its members, she said.

"We are moving forward to work on Pride celebrations and community support."

Lightbody has said the point of Pride, especially in small towns, is to make people who are not always accepted feel supported.

"When you don't see yourself represented, you hide," she said.