Pride flags in Delta vandalized for second time in a week

For the second time in a week, Pride flags in Delta have been the target of vandals.

Images posted to social media by Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger show city banners highlighting Pride Month were defaced with black paint.

This comes after a church in Ladner was targeted by vandals last week. The Ladner United Church says black paint was thrown at a window and a door that donned Progress Pride and Pride flags on Wednesday, May 31 — one day before the official start of Pride Month.

You really have to go out of your way to vandalize a banner that’s so high up a pole like this. Like, what kind of person has the time, energy and resources to do this crap? If anyone saw this or has any leads, please contact @deltapolice. pic.twitter.com/a37JSHwpyf

— Dylan Kruger (@dylankrugerbc) June 6, 2023

Speaking to CityNews, Kruger says the incidents of vandalism the city has seen are “the actions of a very small number of sad individuals.”

“I do not believe it’s reflective of the community at large. It’s actually incredible the growth that Pride Month has had over the last number of years in Delta.”

Kruger asserts that the city is a safe place for Queer and gender-diverse people.

“Delta is a place where we are welcoming and accepting of everyone. And if you don’t feel that way, Delta is probably not the best [for you],” he said.

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Vandalism of Pride flags and banners is nothing new for the city. In addition to the vandalism last week, in 2019, rainbow flags hung in front of the Ladner church were defaced twice in a matter of weeks. The defacing even drew the attention of the Prime Minster’s Office, which offered a message of support for the church.

Last year, someone cut down the Progress Pride flag at Delta City Hall at the end of June. At that time, Mayor George Harvie said he was incredibly disturbed and disappointed by the actions of the vandal.

“Hate has no place in our community and I will not tolerate it. Delta Council and I stand firmer than ever with our LGBTQ2S+ community and are proud of the beautiful Pride rainbow banners that continue to stand strong all across Delta. Love will always win over hate,” Harvie said.

CityNews has reached out to Delta police for more information.

–With files from Dean Recksiedler