Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre are assisting Alberta resident Benita Pedersen in defending herself against a human rights complaint arising from a political flyer she distributed opposing a proposed rainbow crosswalk in Westlock.
Flyer encouraged public debate over proposed crosswalk
In June 2023, the Town of Westlock proposed painting a rainbow crosswalk featuring colours associated with progressive pride and transgender inclusion.
After learning of the proposal, Ms. Pedersen, a local DJ, children’s entertainer, event coordinator, and workshop facilitator, created and distributed a flyer encouraging residents to contact elected officials and oppose the project.
The flyer discussed potential consequences of gender transition, including infertility, and included the statement, “Cancel the rainbow crosswalk.”
Ms. Pedersen said she distributed the flyer as part of a broader public discussion affecting children and families, explaining, “Based on my personal experiences in interacting with parents and children, I have learned that the practice of ‘gender affirmation’ harms kids more than it helps. When I composed the flyer, one of my objectives was to warn parents about the potential consequences of children pursuing the pathway of transgenderism.”
Human rights complaint followed political flyer
On June 19, 2023, Westlock resident Laurie Hodge filed a human rights complaint alleging that Ms. Pedersen’s flyer discriminated on the basis of gender, gender identity, and gender expression.
Ms. Hodge was not a member of Westlock Town Council when the flyer was distributed. Both women subsequently ran for council in a January 2024 by-election. Ms. Pedersen finished second and Ms. Hodge third. Ms. Hodge was later elected to council.
On October 7, 2025, the Director of the Alberta Human Rights Commission referred the complaint to the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal for a hearing under section 3 of the Alberta Human Rights Act. The provision prohibits certain publications that indicate discrimination or an intention to discriminate, or that are likely to expose people to hatred or contempt based on protected characteristics.
The Director later assumed carriage of the complaint on Ms. Hodge’s behalf.
Human rights hearing put political expression on trial
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre prepared to appear before the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal beginning September 14, 2026, to defend Ms. Pedersen.
Witness testimony was scheduled for September 14–18, September 28–29, and October 2.
The case raised broader concerns about empowering administrative human rights bodies to investigate and punish expression. Political disagreements about controversial social issues should ordinarily be answered through debate and democratic participation, rather than through government proceedings seeking penalties against citizens for expressing their views.
Constitutional lawyer Allison Pejovic said, “Albertans should be free to express their opinions on controversial topics without being accused of hatred.”