N.S. couple rethinks move after cross-burning

An interracial couple in Hants County, N.S., say they are deeply moved by the outpouring of support at an anti-racism rally held for them in Windsor on Saturday.

About 200 people from the community marched through the streets in Windsor to show their support for Shayne Howe and Michelle Lyon.

Last Sunday, the couple awoke at around 1:30 a.m. to find a two-metre-tall burning cross, with a noose, on their front lawn. The couple also had racial slurs yelled at them, which terrified them and their children, who were inside at the time.

Howe and Lyon later said they wanted to move away from Poplar Grove, a small community northeast of Windsor.

Now that the rally is over and they've seen the support from the local community, they're having second thoughts about moving.

'Racism is simmering below the surface and I'm glad to be out to say we've got to do something about it.' — Donna Smyth, resident

"We are [reconsidering a move] because the amount of people that are behind us. It would be hard for us to leave the community and I think the community would be hurt.

"We're still on the fence about it but we're still at home and right now we're feeling safe, so we'll see how things go."

The couple isn't talking about what else might be behind the attack in addition to racism.

For many of the people at this weekend's rally, it doesn't matter.

Donna Smyth said prejudice is the root of the problem.

"I've lived here for 30 years in West Hants and I know that racism is simmering below the surface and I'm glad to be out to say we've got to do something about it," Smyth said.

Two young men have been arrested in connection with the cross burning.

Brothers Nathan Neil Rehberg, 20, and Justin Chad Rehberg, 19, are sons of one of Lyon's father's cousins.

They're charged with public incitement of hatred, mischief and uttering threats.

After a two-hour bail hearing on Feb. 24, the brothers were remanded at least until their next court appearance on Monday.