Hamilton is now saying it gave an “improper” order when it forced a local anarchist group to remove the circled A anarchy symbol from its headquarters and called it “hate material” similar to the swastika.
The change of heart comes two days after a CBC News report on the bylaw order — a move that prompted widespread backlash on social media.
“[Bylaw enforcement] realizes the order was improper in terms of exceeding the scope of its by-law which is intended primarily to address property damage and maintenance and not content of signage,” city spokesperson Jen Recine said in an email Thursday.
Now, she said, the city is updating its staff training — and the mayor says that it’s now clear to him that the anarchy symbol is not a hate symbol.
