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Editor,
Owen Sound Hub:


Irony: Council agrees to stop praying before meetings, because that would be an exclusive practice, and refuses to even consider an amendment to the Flag Policy, which would make the City more inclusive.
I was extremely disappointed in the behaviour of most Owen Sound city councillors at the meeting of May 11. A request was made to consider the current Flag Flying policy of 2006, and add an amendment to allow any local community group to have their flag on the standard which is affixed by the front doors of City Hall, as long as that group is one that abides by and honours the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. By a vote of 4:3, it was decided that Council would not even agree to reconsider the outdated policy. In the light of recent anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic events, one would think it's time for the City to take a more inclusionary stand. In addition, does Council not realize that the policy has already been breached at least twice, and for that reason alone, needs to be reconsidered? Thanks to Councillors Richard Thomas, Marion Koepke, and Peter Lemon. The rest of you: I expect better.
Sincerely,
Joan Beecroft
Owen Sound,ON