New Westminster to fly Rainbow Flag atop City Hall during Sochi Olympics

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster has raised the Rainbow Flag as a show of support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGTB) community during the Sochi Olympics. The Rainbow Flag will fly atop City Hall until the closure of the Sochi XXII Olympic Winter Games.

As a diverse city at the centre of Metro Vancouver – home of the 2010 Olympic Games – we feel a strong need to demonstrate our support for the equal rights of the LGBT community both here at home and around the world,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “New Westminster is a community that welcomes everyone, no matter what their religion, race, culture or sexual orientation.”

The XXII Winter Olympic Games have been marred by controversy since the Russian parliament enacted “anti-gay” laws last summer in the lead-up to Sochi hosting the global event.

“Along with other Canadian cities flying the Rainbow Flag during the Olympics, New Westminster is sending a compelling message and underscoring our commitment to diversity,” said Wright.

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Contact:              Blair Fryer
                           Manager, Communications and Economic Development
                           604-527-4688 or