A billboard recently put up at Kent Bridge Rd. and Countryview Line with and offensive message to the gay community. Aug. 23, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)A billboard recently put up at Kent Bridge Rd. and Countryview Line with and offensive message to the gay community. Aug. 23, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)
Chatham

CK Makes Official Statement On Anti-Gay Billboard

Following the removal of a controversial anti-gay billboard, Chatham-Kent officials have issued a statement defending the municipality as "a welcoming community."

Photos of the billboard, which was erected Wednesday night at Kent Bridge Rd. and Countryview Line, immediately began circulating online, generating much ire within the community.  The billboard had a number of messages on it, including one that read “God says no to homosexuality and abortion.”

"We have received concerns from citizens regarding language on a billboard located in our community," the municipality said in the tweet last week. "We acknowledge this sign may cast a negative light on the community."

In another statement issued on Monday, the municipality said it became aware of the billboard late last week and began investigating into whether it violated any bylaws or regulations that it has control over.

"The Chatham-Kent Police Service was in the process of determining whether the message violated the Criminal Code of Canada," the statement said. "While conducting those investigations, the content was removed. The billboard is on private property and the municipality was not contacted in advance regarding its content, nor was it advised as to its removal."

The statement added that CK was designated as Canada’s first welcoming community for Syrian refugees two years ago, and the municipality held its first Pride parade and the dedication of a rainbow crosswalk earlier this month.

"As in any community, there are people who hold different views on a variety of subjects, however, Chatham-Kent's mayor and council have demonstrated through their leadership and actions that we welcome an open, inclusive and diverse community."

The billboard received a lot of attention and comments from the LGBTQ+ community, to CK Mayor Randy Hope and even from 81-year-old Ralph Baker, who was responsible for putting it up.

The billboard was taken down Monday night.

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