Live Updates: Alberta woman facing human rights tribunal for opposing rainbow crosswalk
Benita Pedersen is facing a human rights complaint over a flyer she handed out three years ago opposing a proposed rainbow crosswalk incorporating the colours of the transgender pride flag.
Article by Rebel News staff
Rebel News' Sheila Gunn Reid is reporting live as Benita Pedersen faces up against the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal for opposing a rainbow crosswalk.
Pedersen, a Westlock DJ and children’s entertainer, distributed flyers in 2023 urging residents to oppose a proposed rainbow crosswalk tied to transgender ideology.
Her message called for contacting officials and attending council meetings, while raising concerns about risks to children from gender transition, including infertility and social confusion.
She insisted it was democratic political speech, not hate. Fellow resident Laurie Hodge (later a councillor) filed a human rights complaint alleging discrimination.
The Alberta Human Rights Tribunal is now hearing the case, defended by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms as a free-expression fight. Westlock voters later banned such crosswalks via plebiscite, vindicating community pushback against imposed symbols.
Follow along below for live updates:
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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