Officials with Wortley Pride are expressing "absolute outrage" after a rainbow crosswalk in the village was vandalised.
In social media posts, Wortley Pride announced the sidewalk was defaced sometime over the weekend.
"It is with absolute outrage that we inform you that the inclusive rainbow crosswalk in Wortley Village was Vandalized," the post said. "We are actively investigating this hate motivated crime along with all the Pride Flags that were stolen during this weekend. Please continue to follow this story as we learn more. If you should have any information please contact the police."
An accompanying photo shows white paint splashed across the crosswalk, which had been painted in rainbow colours.
Commenters were quick to condemn the vandalism.
"This hateful display is disgusting," one commenter on Instagram wrote. "Our community needs to loudly stand against this and ensure nobody feels emboldened to do anything like this, ever.
The incident is the latest in a string of incidents in southwestern Ontario in which Pride crosswalks were targeted by vandals and Pride flags were stolen. Crosswalks were defaced in Leamington and Tillsonburg, while flags have been stolen in Aylmer, Norwich, St. Thomas, Wheatley, and Tilbury.
