There is sadness and anger in Oxford County after a Progress Pride crosswalk was damaged by vandals just days after it was installed.
Oxford County Pride shared an image on social media Monday of the defaced crosswalk at Broadway and Bridge Street West in Tillsonburg. The photo shows black squiggly lines spray-painted across several of the colourful bars of the rainbow crosswalk.
"So sad our sponsors and community members donate and fundraise and this happens. Hate and vandalism," the organization that works to make Oxford inclusive, diverse, and safe for 2SLGBTQIA+ members wrote on Facebook. "This is why we have to continue to advocate and educate. Hate and discrimination will not win."
One person reacting to the post about the damage called it "disgusting", while another stated it was "clearly the work childish of cowards."
The Progress Pride crosswalk was installed at the Tillsonburg intersection last Thursday.
This is the second Pride crosswalk in the county to be targeted by vandals this year. In May, a rainbow crosswalk in Ingersoll was damaged. There have also been numerous reports of Pride flags being stolen and vandalized across southwestern Ontario including in Norwich and Aylmer.
Oxford County Pride is urging anyone who has information about the damaged crosswalk to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
