City committee to look at appeal of proclamation request by Saskatoon pro-life group

The City of Saskatoon’s new policy on proclamations and flag-raisings is being tested for the first time.

A pro-life group called the Saskatoon Alliance for Life is looking for a proclamation for its “Respect for Life Week.” The application was looking for the week of Jan. 21 to 28.

A policy adopted in October by the city gave authority to the city clerk’s office to decide on proclamations and flag-raisings.

It also gave organizations and individuals the authority to appeal decisions made by the office to city council.

In its original request, dated Dec. 11, the organization said the proclamation purpose was “to raise awareness of the importance of human life and to celebrate the inherent value, dignity and diversity of human life at all stages.”

It didn’t ask for a flag to be flown at city hall, because the organization does “not own such a flag.”

The original application was denied by the city clerk’s office on Dec. 17, in accordance with the new policy. It cited Section 4.4 of the policy, which can be seen here.

The group then appealed the decision, which will now go to the governance and priorities committee meeting Monday.

In the group’s appeal, dated Dec. 30, it said: “We are not a religious or political organization but rather a human rights organization.”

It also added in the emailed appeal to the city: “If the gay/homosexual lobby group can get a whole month of publicity and support surely a week can be granted.”

In an emailed statement to 650 CKOM, the city said, “The City Clerk applies the criteria outlined in the policy to decide whether a request is approved.” It added it will review the item based on its criteria from The Flag and Proclamations Policy.

650 CKOM also reached out to Saskatoon Alliance For Life, but has yet to receive a response from the group.