Courtenay rally set to protest racial attack, hate
Jay Phillips talks about being attacked by three men on Friday.
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Updated: July 09, 2009 9:55 AM
A noon-hour rally has been planned for tomorrow (Thursday) to speak out against incidents of hate and violence in the Comox Valley.
"We are putting out a call for our community to take a stand for peace, kindness, civility and to express that it is unacceptable for this to occur in our community," organizers said Tuesday evening.
On Friday, Courtenay resident Jay Phillips was attacked by three men. Police say preliminary investigation indicates there was a racial element to the attack.
A video of the attack was posted on YouTube and has drawn media attention from across the country.
On Monday, Comox Valley RCMP announced that all three assailants had been arrested, and charges of assault are pending.
Organizers said Thursday's rally will be an opportunity for people motivated by peace, diversity and non-violence to peacefully assemble.
The messages of peace were added to by the Comox Valley Mayors Wednesday morning with a joint press release.
"Racism in any form is reprehensible," said Paul Ives, Comox mayor. "It's unacceptable in any practice and is particularly horrible when racist views manifest themselves in violent behaviour."
Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan also spoke out against the incident.
"The people who did this are the exception and not the rule, but if we as a community do not stand up against this type of action, then this behaviour will continue," said Duncan. "We should not hesitate to speak out against intolerance and violence of any kinds or we will ourselves become victims of it."
The rally tomorrow will be held at noon at the Sid Williams Theatre plaza on the corner of Cliffe and Fifth streets.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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