Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan is condemning the recent vandalism of a Pride flag in Norwich Township, calling the incident an act of exclusion that has no place in the community.
Oxford OPP are investigating after two suspects allegedly removed a Pride flag from a property on Jerdon Street and set it on fire late on the night of June 1. Police have described the suspects as two young individuals and are continuing to seek information from the public.
In a public statement, Ryan said while a flag can be replaced, the message behind the act cannot be ignored. He noted the incident occurred just days after communities across Oxford County raised Pride flags to mark the beginning of Pride Month and celebrate inclusion, belonging, and acceptance.
Ryan said acts of intimidation send a harmful message that some people are less welcome than others, particularly members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who continue to face discrimination and exclusion. He added that the actions of those responsible do not reflect the values of the broader community and emphasized that the response to hatred should be compassion, inclusion, and support for one another.
Oxford OPP continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
