A request by Mid-Lakes Pro Life to put a sign up at the Davidson Rink has prompted town council to develop a policy on rules governing religious and political signage on town property.

Deborah Doell, chairperson of Mid-Lakes Pro Life, said the group “just wanted” to put up a sign to let people know their organization is around and people can join them if they like. She said a letter was sent to the town before their May 21 council meeting asking if this would be possible.

A reply back to her from the town was received a week later stating signs on town property are only available for businesses. There is currently no Davidson bylaw in place governing what can and cannot be displayed on signs on town property.

“I found that (reply) kind of surprising because the Elks aren’t a business, the Knights of Columbus aren’t a business and the Kinsmen aren’t a business,” said Doell. “Kenaston has allowed a pro-life sign by their highway and that is the same thing that I was looking for because their town has allowed it and other towns have (too), so I was a little surprised that Davidson isn’t supportive. I’m hoping they change their minds.”

Davidson town councillor Tyler Alexander said council needs a policy about what is allowed, so they have sent a request to Davidson recreation director Trevor Ouellette to write a policy eliminating religious and political messages from appearing on signs displayed on town property.

“I feel that we really shouldn’t start expressing any beliefs on our taxpayer signs because beliefs are just so radically different among town members,” said Alexander. “We really can’t start doing that and be seen supporting one side or the other.”

Alexander said the difficult part in developing this policy is the question of what is considered a political and religious message. He said if federal conservative member of parliament Tom Lukiwski asked to put up a sign that just had a picture of him and his name, would that be considered a political message?

“It is so hard to draw the line,” he said. “There is so much grey area. We just figured it would be easier and really wouldn’t cause any grief if we just stayed away from religion and politics altogether.”

To read more please see the July 1 print edition of The Davidson Leader.