Ottawa Pride organizers staying vigilant after weekend altercation
Posted August 20, 2019 6:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (1310 NEWS) – Ottawa’s Capital Pride organizers are keeping a vigilant eye on security after anti-LGBTQ protesters interrupted an event for children, prompting concerns that more disruptions could be coming.
Religious protesters interrupted a drag queen storytelling event in Bells Corners on Saturday.
The disruption prompted concerns about additional confrontations at Capital Pride’s Family Picnic the following day. Members of the LGBTQ community and their allies asked for volunteers to work as security, ensuring any anti-LGBTQ protesters didn’t enter the park where the picnic was held.
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“Members of the community put a call out in the community and people showed up,” said Davy Sabourin, Chair of Capital Pride. “So, if anything, it’s just going to bring us closer together.”
Sabourin says Capital Pride has discussed Saturday’s altercation and future security with the city.
“We did flag that this event occurred, and we expect that there will be, in the areas, resources to make sure that if anything happens that they can be deployed,” Sabourin told 1310 NEWS.
Capital Pride events continue all week, culminating with the parade on Sunday.
