Alberta Woman Faces Multi-Day Hearing Over Flyer Opposing Rainbow Crosswalk
An Alberta woman is set to face the province’s human rights tribunal in a multi-day hearing after she distributed posters opposing a town project to paint a rainbow-themed crosswalk. Benita Pedersen’s videoconference hearing with the Alberta Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is scheduled over eight days between Sept. 14 and Oct. 2. As many as 15 witnesses, including experts from both sides, are expected to testify. The case stems from June 2023, when Pedersen learned that the Town of Westlock, northwest of Edmonton, planned to paint a rainbow crosswalk incorporating colours of the transgender pride flag, according to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), which is funding her legal representation.
TL;DR
- Benita Pedersen will face an eight-day hearing with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
- The hearing concerns flyers Pedersen distributed that opposed a rainbow crosswalk project.
- The Town of Westlock planned to paint a crosswalk with colors from the transgender pride flag.
- The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms is funding Pedersen's legal defense.
- Up to 15 witnesses, including experts, are expected to testify.