Homophobic slurs graffitied on church and daycare in Oakville: Police

Police are investigating after hate-motivated and homophobic graffiti was reportedly discovered on an Oakville church and attached daycare facility on Aug. 20.

Halton police allege the vandalism, which appeared on the property of St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, was carried out between the afternoon of Aug. 19 and the morning of Aug. 20.

“Two signs on the property were cut in half and [five] instances of graffiti were done to the church and attached daycare,” Halton police media relations officer Const. Ryan Anderson told inhalton.com in an email.

“They include homophobic slurs and are being investigated as a hate-motivated crime.”

A recent Reddit post includes pictures of the graffiti on the church’s signs and walls. The first picture shows the word “Aidan’s” crossed out and replaced with “groomers.” The words “false church” were painted on the sidewalk and another sign was defaced with a homophobic slur used for gay men.

Today, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton took to social media to address the incident.

Mayor Burton’s statement on hateful church graffiti in Oakville. pic.twitter.com/Nrt4eIz6s2

— Rob Burton (@MayorRobBurton) August 22, 2023

“Our community condemns the vandalism that took place at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church. Places of worship hold special significance to individuals and families in our community. Hate has no place in Oakville.”

In his statement, Burton said members of the regional community mobilization team and equity, diversity and inclusion officer are following up with the church.

On Reddit, some users said the graffiti could be especially damaging for queer youth.

“I think if I saw this as a kid I’d start to feel unsafe again. If that was my church, maybe we’d all rally together and clean up the mess and stuff. But as a passerby, I’d feel like the world still isn’t safe for someone like me,” one user wrote.

“Even someone who is an ally might be worried of backlash for standing up for people like me.”

Anderson said no arrests have been made.