Statement from Mayor Andrea Horwath on Incident of Hate at Library Drag Storytime

HAMILTON, ON – The actions of organized hate and discrimination that took place yesterday at Hamilton Public Library’s Terryberry Branch are unacceptable. There is no place for hate in any form in our community.

As mayor, I will always stand against hate. I am committed to working collaboratively with communities, partners and leaders to tackle hate, systemic racism and discrimination in all their forms.

I fully support the ongoing work with local organizations on important initiatives such as the City’s Hate Prevention, Mitigation and Community Initiatives Action Plan and the Community Safety and Well-being Plan. This work and these conversations will be essential as we move forward to ensure that the City continues to coordinate and accelerate existing initiatives to reduce hate in our community.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are priorities for me and for this term of Council to ensure Hamilton is a place that fosters inclusivity, and where equity-deserving communities feel safe, supported and have an enhanced sense of belonging through strengthened community capacity, City responsiveness, and inclusive engagement opportunities.