Mayor Harold McQuaker of Emo, Ontario is rejecting a $5,000 fine imposed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) for not flying a Pride flag during Pride Month in 2020. Explaining his stance, McQuaker told the Toronto Sun: “I don’t hate anybody. We just don’t have a flagpole at our town hall.”
The OHRC ruled that McQuaker and the township must compensate the LGBTQ group Borderland Pride for refusing to display the flag, ordering $5,000 from the mayor and $10,000 from the town. The tribunal also demanded that McQuaker undergo diversity training and host a drag queen story hour, measures he has flatly refused.
“I utterly refuse to pay the $5,000 because that’s extortion,” McQuaker stated. The town council will decide during a special meeting whether to pay or appeal the additional $10,000 fine.
Borderland Pride celebrated the decision, framing it as a win against what they called “bigoted” actions by the town council. The group sought broader commitments, including permanent Pride proclamations with affirming language.
McQuaker’s case has drawn international attention, with many defending his refusal to comply with the ruling. Critics have questioned the fairness of the fine, particularly given the mayor’s explanation about the lack of a flagpole at the town hall.
The mayor remains steadfast, saying his decision was not rooted in discrimination but practicality. “I don’t hate anybody,” he reiterated. “We simply didn’t have the means to fly the flag.”
