Coun. Murray Martin immediately began objecting and commenting when a letter from the Canadian Mental Health Association, calling for consideration of a rainbow crosswalk in Elmira, was presented to city council. “I’m not in favor of that. It is not in line with the values of this community. You can send that letter right back to where it came from,” said Coun. Martin said during an impassioned speech. Rainbow crosswalks are seen as a sign of support for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and are common in municipalities across the province. The subject started Martin, who objects to the use of a rainbow as a symbol in this regard, as he believes that the rainbow is a “gift from God to us”. He went on to condemn what he calls “this way of life” saying it is “not right”. Martin’s rant lasted over a minute. Mayor Sandy Shantz briefly tried to stop him, but eventually allowed Martin to continue. “Where did the first rainbow come from? Everyone should know. It came after the great flood. Noah and the ark, God made a covenant with his people that he would not destroy the world again with the flood and gave them the rainbow. So now we’re using it and trashing it to promote a lifestyle that’s not right,” said Coun. Swallow. During the meeting, Shantz defended her decision to let Martin continue to speak. “We’re all different and we all look at it from a different perspective,” Shantz said. The mayor then allowed the rest of the council to comment. Councilors Scott McMillian, Patrick Merlihan and Fred Redekop all spoke to condemn the comments of Coun. Swallow. “Just Kun. Martin started talking about being gay as a lifestyle, that should have been a trigger word that there was more of that kind of language to come,” Kuhn said. Merlihan told CTV Kitchener on Tuesday. “I was trying to get the president’s attention to finish the speech or to interrupt so people didn’t have to hear some of the comments I expected to come.” “It is our job as politicians to defend everyone. Yeah, I guess I’m just really disappointed that it happened last night.” The only one who didn’t speak was Kun. Larry Sands. “I don’t need anyone to apologize for me, apologize to anyone else,” Kuhn said. Swallow. “I have a right to my opinion.” Coun. Martin has not responded to multiple requests for comment from CTV News.
THE MAYOR APOLOGIZES
A statement issued by Mayor Shantz’s office Tuesday night said: “After reflection I apologize and regret not stopping the comments from Coun. Martin associated with the rainbow crosswalk. Woolwich prides itself on being a proactive and inclusive borough that invites and welcomes residents, including those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I have listened to the feedback I have received from the community and have taken the time to speak out and apologize to those who have been affected by these comments. Again, I apologize and regret my actions from last night and want to reassure our community that we are a safe, diverse, inclusive, accepting and welcoming community. Woolwich is a community that is open to all and the rainbow symbol is a beautiful expression of the diversity that exists within society and within each of us.” Coun. Martin is currently up for re-election in Ward 3.
