Hamilton

Homophobic sign on balcony may lead to hate crime investigation

A sign with a derogatory term for homosexuals was removed with combined efforts from police and firefighters. Police will be investigating whether mischief or hate crime charges are warranted.

A sign with a derogatory term for homosexuals was removed with combined efforts from police and firefighters

Hamilton police and firefighters used a ladder to climb up and tear down the sign.

A large yellow sign hanging from an apartment balcony displaying homophobic language was removed by police and firefighters Wednesday afternoon.

The offending sign was hanging off the balcony of a third storey apartment just off of Mohawk Road between Upper Sherman and Upper Wentworth streets. Curious residents gathered outside as police and firefighters worked in tandem to safely raise up a ladder to remove the large banner.

Hamilton police say the incident will be referred to its hate crime unit.