Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy said she is “deeply alarmed” by the “onslaught” of anti-Muslim hate in response to a post by her on social media.
Over the weekend, Roy said she enjoyed attending a lunch hosted by ICNA Sisters Whitby – a not-for-profit group of Muslim women who do great work in the community like park clean-ups, parenting programs, mental health workshops, and more.
“As with many of the community events I attend, I shared a photo on social media thanking the group for their hospitality. What followed was deeply alarming,” said Roy.
“Within hours, the post attracted hundreds of comments. The majority were racist, anti-Muslim, demeaning, and threatening. Some targeted the Muslim women in the photo because of how they were dressed or questioned whether they belong in Canada. Some mocked their faith and culture. Many crossed the line into outright hate speech,” said the mayor.
“Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident,” she pointed out. “Over the past two years, Whitby has experienced several disturbing incidents of hate, including anti-Muslim graffiti, repeated acts of antisemitic vandalism, and — just weeks ago — hateful online rhetoric directed at Muslim Welfare Home in Whitby. While these actions may represent a small minority of voices, their impact on those targeted is significant.”
Roy said as mayor, she represents every resident of the town.
“That means people of every race, faith, culture, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and political perspective. Everyone. And I take that responsibility seriously.”
She pointed out that since being elected in 2022, she has been proud to attend events hosted by Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh communities. “I have celebrated alongside seniors, veterans, indigenous communities, newcomers, accessibility advocates, environmental groups, business owners, youth leaders, 2SLGBTQIA advocates and allies, and so, so many more groups and stakeholders.
“Every single Whitby resident deserves to feel seen, welcomed, and represented by their local government.
“That is how I have approached this role since being elected in 2022, and it is how I will continue to approach it,” Mayor Roy declared.
“To those in our Muslim community who were hurt by the comments on this post, please know this: you belong here,” she added.
Most residents, in response to he latest post that “every single Whitby resident deserves to feel seen, welcomed, and represented by their local government,” has drawn support.