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Some elected officials in Montgomery County are speaking out after there were reports of pride and other inclusivity imagery "desecrated" in what County Council President Evan Glass described as “acts of terror.”
On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Police Department reportedly received reports of Pride flags, Ukrainian flags, and inclusive lawn signs in Silver Spring that were vandalized or destroyed.
Glass, who noted he lives in the neighborhood where the damage was done with his husband, called the situation personal following a series of similar incidents throughout Maryland.
“I am deeply disturbed that the community I call home has been targeted by dangerous acts of hate and vandalism,” Glass said. “Like communities across the nation, we are seeing alarming rises in hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community, communities of color, and other vulnerable residents.”
The vandalism was reported in the Mansfield Road, Wayne Place, Ellsworth Place, Greenbrier Drive, Pershing Drive and Deerfield Drive neighborhoods.
In recent weeks, churches in the region have been targeted - some repeatedly - where “BLM” signs were stolen, signage promoting LGBTQ+ efforts, and a District man was recently sent to prison for a hate crime.
Glass made note that the incidents took place a day after the County Council voted unanimously to establish an Anti-Hate Task Force, “which will lead the efforts to ensure that everyone feels safe living, praying, and being their authentic selves in our community.”
“Our work must continue to ensure our LGBTQ+ community feels safe and protected,” he continued. “This is revolting and will not be tolerated in Montgomery County.”
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