Community leaders and politicians are rallying for inclusivity and tolerance amidst a rising tide of anti-LGBTQ hate on Vancouver Island in the lead-up to the annual Pride parade in Victoria on Sunday.
Having debuted in 1981, the event is expected to draw 40,000 participants from across the province and beyond.
However, the festivities have been marred by vandalism targeting LGBTQ-friendly signs and landmarks in various municipalities within the Capital Regional District.
It all began on June 1, less than 24 hours after five Pride Month street banners set up by the City of Langford, about 14 kilometres west of Victoria, were defaced with red spray paint.
On June 29, vandals completely covered the newly painted rainbow
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