A recent bylaw in Vernon, B.C., restricts certain items from being left at grave sites from March 15th to Oct. 15th. Only fresh-cut floral arrangements in approved tribute holders are allowed on plots during this time. However, resident Joe Langlois believes this bylaw infringes on his human and religious rights. He argues that sections 5.5 and 5.6 of the bylaw prevent him from leaving religious articles such as rosaries, pictures, and practicing religious customs at the cemetery, which he sees as a violation of his right to celebrate someone’s life. Despite Langlois’s objections, Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming has indicated that the bylaw was implemented to ensure the safety of the cemetery’s groundskeepers and to maintain a respectful environment for all visitors.
Langlois initiated a petition last March to reverse the city’s decision regarding the bylaw, but he has now taken legal action by filing a human rights complaint against the city. The complaint was submitted online through the province of B.C., and it is currently under investigation. Langlois has mentioned that a law firm has shown interest in pursuing the case. However, the BC Human Rights Tribunal has informed that, due to a high volume of complaints, it may take nine to twelve months to provide an update on recently submitted cases. This delay means that it could be a significant period before Langlois receives any response from the city regarding his complaint.
The City of Vernon has stated that it is aware of a potential complaint being filed with the Human Rights Tribunal regarding the Cemetery Management Bylaw #5767. However, the city has not officially received any complaints from the tribunal at this time. In the event that a complaint is reviewed by the Human Rights Tribunal, the city has indicated that it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter while it is under consideration. The tribunal may conduct a hearing to investigate whether any discrimination occurred. If a hearing is deemed necessary, it may take up to six months for the tribunal to render a decision on whether the complaint is justified or dismissed.
Those who do not comply with the cemetery bylaw by leaving items on grave plots that do not meet the criteria will have those items respectfully removed by the city. Once the items have been collected, residents are able to retrieve them from the cemetery. The City of Vernon emphasizes that it is committed to upholding the regulations set forth in the bylaw in order to maintain the cemetery’s respectful and dignified environment. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mayor Cumming maintains that the bylaw has significantly enhanced the quality of the cemetery for all visitors, promoting a sense of dignity and respect within the grounds.
