Pride flag immediately replaced after vandalism at Delta City Hall

Delta city staff wasted no time replacing apride flag flying in front of City Hall on Wednesday, following an act of vandalism called a hate crime by the city's mayor.

Mayor George Harvie said he was made aware of the incident first thing Wednesday, when he received an email from the city manager.

"I'm very upset over it, and if the person's listening if he decides to cut it down, we'll put it right back up the next morning," said Harvie of the vandalism.

A spokesperson with the Delta Police Department said the investigation into who was behind the act of vandalism was in the preliminary stage and they have not identified a suspect as of Thursday.Harvie said he couldn't comment on whether there was video surveillance.

The entire metal pole was cut down.

"Whoever's out there, if they're listening, we'll find you because we do not and I as mayor do not tolerate this act at all," he said. "It's just disrespectful, it shows just ignorance."

The Delta Pride society posted a statement online saying "we are disheartened by the recent hate crime which took place at City Hall."

"Please take this opportunity to talk with your children, your neighbours and loved ones. Look for ways to grow, learn and support one another. Understand better the need for rainbow flags, benches and crosswalks," said the post, noting that the new flag has been raised in a more prominent location, at the centre entrance to City Hall.

Harviesaid thathe hadn't observed any sort of heightened bigotry targeting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community this year in Delta.

In Victoria, a family-friendly monthly drag show was cancelled by organizers last week after the cafe that hosts the shows began receiving threatening phone calls.

South of the border, a slew ofbills aimed at prohibiting gender-affirming health care for trans youth have been proposed in various states.