City of London has grown exponentially over the years; our community has continued to grow in its diversity and multiculturalism. However, it is apparent with symbols of hate being publicly displayed around town, that we are not as welcoming to marginalized members of our local community.

Confederate flags and Nazi symbols - do not have any place in this city. This is a symbol of  hatred and oppression and a clear attempt to preserve white supremacy in Canada. These symbols today, come to hurt and threaten people's safety in our town.  This is not acceptable. 

Some historical context as to why this flag is a reminder of oppression: The Confederate Flag  was used during the American Civil War (1860-61) as southern 11 US states seceded in order to protect the institution of slavery. For reference: https://www.adl.org/education/references/hate-symbols/confederate-flag

Since then, the flag has been claimed and popularized by a variety of white supremacists in modern day society for demonstrations like the January 6, US Capitol Hill insurrection.

I am asking that the City of London pass a similar bylaw as Collingwood Council  (https://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/2020/06/16/collingwood-council-votes-to-ban-hate-symbols/). Similar to the city of Collingwood, ALL Londoners would highly benefit from a bylaw that prohibit the public display of hate symbols and signs, like the Confederate flag on residential, commercial, and other public spaces. Everyone should feel safe and included in society; symbols of hate only mean to divide and continue to hurt our communities. 

Please sign this petition to show your support for a new bylaw to demonstrate our solidarity with all community members; and ensure all marginalized members of society feel safe from racism and hatred.

I would also like to credit and thank Abigail Hitchens, Yvonne Hamlin of Collingwood Council, for inspiring this petition - I hope to have similar results in  London as Collingwood did. And thank you to BLM London for the social media awareness surrounding these hate symbols.