'Love wins' display installed by anonymous ally after Pride flag vandalism at B.C. church
Vandalism of a church in Delta displaying Pride flags is being investigated as a hate crime, according to police, who say it is the fifth such incident that has been reported in the past several years.
On Wednesday, black paint was splattered on a window at Ladner United Church where a Progress and Pride flag hangs, the Delta Police Department said in a statement.
"These flags are symbolic representations of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and their allies and serve as a source of identity and support for many individuals," a statement from police says.
"Defacing or damaging these flags is illegal, disrespectful, and deeply hurtful to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In this instance, it is not only mischief, it is also being investigated as a hate crime against both the Church hoisting the flag and the broader 2SLGBTQI+ community."
No suspects have been identified in this incident or any of the previous ones, police say, adding that they are committed to conducting a thorough investigation.
Last year, someone was caught on camera poking holes into a flag outside of the church. In 2021, a flag flying in the same spot above the church entrance was vandalized with black spray paint. In 2019, black paint was smeared on the church's Pride flag twice in the span of just two weeks.
The church, in a Facebook post, said there has been an outpouring of support following this latest act including people stopping by to make donations and volunteer to help clean up.
And overnight Wednesday, an anonymous supporter installed a lawn display saying "love wins."
Anyone with information on the latest act of vandalism, or the previous ones, is urged to call 604-946-4411. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8247).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
A subset of Alzheimer's cases may be caused by two copies of a single gene, new research shows
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.
WATCH Avian flu: Risk to humans grows as outbreaks spread, warns expert
H5N1 or avian flu is decimating wildlife around the world and is now spreading among cattle in the United States, sparking concerns about 'pandemic potential' for humans. Now a health expert is urging Canada to scale up surveillance north of the border.
Trudeau Liberals to unveil new bill Monday aimed at countering foreign interference
Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc will be tabling legislation on Monday aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada. Federal officials have scheduled a technical briefing on the incoming bill for Monday afternoon.