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As Halifax Pride kicks off Thursday, a festival organizer says the RCMP told her a young man had been arrested for making threats of violence in connection with the annual event.
In an interview with Information Morning Nova Scotia On Wednesday, festival executive director Fiona Kerr said she was informed of the threats by Halifax RCMP on Tuesday.
“It’s obviously very scary and disheartening to see things like this, especially so close to the festival, but I wouldn’t say we have any heightened concerns about other threats or things like that,” Kerr said.
In a release Wednesday, Halifax RCMP said the youth, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was arrested Saturday and faces charges related to hate speech and making threats in connection with “a specific upcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ community event.”
While Kerr confirmed the event was Halifax Pride, the RCMP have not confirmed that detail. However, they said they shared information with Halifax Regional Police to support security plans for the unnamed event.
The youth, who appeared in court on Thursday, was released under conditions.
Halifax Pride began Thursday and runs until July 26. More than 100 events are planned, including the annual Pride parade on Saturday, several nights of live music, DJs and drag queens at the Garrison Grounds, and a number of community-led events.
Demonstrating an important way to combat hate
Kerr said the organization takes security seriously, monitoring social media and escalating serious issues if and when they arise.
“Pride festivals are obviously a particular target for people currently experiencing growing hatred in the US and across Canada, as the costs of securing our event are certainly increasing every year,” she said.
One of the best ways to fight hate is to come together and be together, because that’s what these people want to stop.– Fiona Kerr, Executive Director, Halifax Pride
However, more police and security are not always the answer to security problems, Kerr said.
“We’re working together with all of these agencies to find a middle ground that covers all of our bases but actually keeps it as community-focused as possible.”
As more people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community face growing hatred and bigotry, it’s important to continue to show up, Kerr said.
“I think one of the best ways to fight hate is to come together and be together, because that’s what these people want to stop. They want to stop us from coming together. They want to stop us from going out into the world and being ourselves,” she said.
“We’ve already seen the community and allies step up, so I have no doubt it will happen this weekend.”
She said the festival’s top priority is making sure people feel comfortable and safe this week.
“I hope people come and really feel safe and able to be out in the community because that’s the most important thing to us.”
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