Finally some protection for our community from the courts! Justice Groves acknowledges that hatred is a motivation in Kandola’s vicious attack on Jordan Smith.
“Mr Kandola must know that his actions are not only contrary to the law but are abhorred by Canadian society,” Groves said.
This story was carried by various sources today:
At Davie Day this year WERA introduced a new initiative of opening a dialogue about how communities can prevent acts of hate. In particular WERA is attempting to develop a proactive community response to acts of hate and violence base on sexual orientation and race. These are the most pressing issue for the West End, but in each of the different communities of Vancouver there will be a different emphasis base on the particular area. The common theme is around the respect for diversity and developing educational dialogue to promote a “Hate Free Zone” in Vancouver.
Here are some of the comments that WERA received at our table at Davie Day and WERA is still inviting comments of what folks think of the idea. Please fill out a “WERA contact forum” and let us know what you think.
Comments from Davie Day Sept. 12, 2009
How can we educate visitors to the West End about tolerance and respect for our diverse community?
• Build bridges among people
• Start with the students
• Store front educational centre
• Education – our kids in school on No Hate. Love one another
• Website where we can share experiences & ideas \
• Education particularly in suburban schools
• Show a film about the truth of sexuality…If it can occur in nature, then why can’t it occur in mankind
• Post: This is a gay friendly zone. Please refrain from entering if this offends you.
What does it mean to live in a hate free community?
• IT STARTS AT HOME! Raise your kids right – NO prejudice!! Live and let live.
• Right thinking Right speech Right action
• LOVE
• Everybody will be nice to each other (written by 7yr old)
• FREEDOM!
• Acceptance
• I hate hate!
• Legal prostitution
• Friendship safety & care
• Not tolerating acts of hatred and discrimination
• Hot line to report
• More car free activities – People mingling and COMMUNITY
• Free your mind and the rest will follow
• Tougher laws. Enforce laws we have – dogs on leashes – bicycle helmets – jay walkers – etc.
• I like the sign post idea!
• A (nuclear weapons) HATE FREE ZONE (written by Adrianne Carr, GPC)
What would it mean to you if the Mayor & Council declared the West End a Hate Free Zone?
• Listen!
• A victory!
• Why don’t we declare it a hate free zone?
• A united voice against hate violence
• Promote the RAK “random acts of kindness”. RAK day happens every year. Even as a BC Legislature declared event
• People can be nice to each other
someone drew a heart with a smiley face
WERA Director Christine Ackermann in front of Hate Free Zone display
At the 2009 Davie Day event WERA launched its “Hate Free Zone” project which is a new initiative to open a civic dialogue about have crimes.
Thanks to everyone who drop by our table for a chat.
WERA’s is still looking for input on the it’s Hate Free Zone initiative and we welcome your comments
Please drop by an visit WERA at Davie Days on Saturday September 12 and let us know what you think.
