Hundreds of Manitobans are throwing their support behind the Steinbach Pride march on July 9.

However, Steinbach city council has not officially endorsed the event.

In a statement to CTV News, the City of Steinbach said, “Council believes that all people, including those who identify as LGBTQ, deserve to be treated with love and respect at all times. Council also recognizes the importance of respecting the rights of individuals and organizations who hold different beliefs from those in the LGBTQ community.”

Councillor Cari Penner said she can't speak about the decision in an official capacity, but wants to speak out as a citizen.

"We need to acknowledge the marginalization, the suffering of the LGBTQ community. We need to acknowledge that we can do better,” she said.

Penner said the city should issue organizers a permit, as long as safety guidelines are met.

“There's a lot excitement around it but a lot of concerns around safety issues in my opinion,” said LGBTQ advocate Evan Wiens.

Wiens knows all about the struggle for LGBTQ rights in the community. He lives in Winnipeg now, but grew up and went to school in Steinbach.

"Very difficult you know, as young as grade seven I was called a fag in the gym change room, so I actually stopped going to gym class."

In high school the abuse got physical. That's when Wiens decided to fight back and became a vocal supporter of Bill 18, legislation allowing gay straight alliances in Manitoba schools.

Wiens is not alone. On Facebook, Pride March for Equality has more than 650 confirmed supporters planning to take part.

Another page, Steinbach Pride Parade Cheering Section has more 250 people confirmed. It calls on people from outside Steinbach to take part in the march and show support.

Brandon University Students’ Union is rounding up 10 faculty and students.

“Steinbach is stuck in an era of bigotry and hate with the issues with their school board and their government, and it's just an older generation telling a younger generation, no," the school's President Nick Brown said.

As the first woman elected to Steinbach city council, Cari Penner insists even without the city's official support, times are changing in Steinbach.

"Attitudes are changing and people here are loving people are good people and I think we will move towards where we should with this issue," Penner said.

Provencher MP and Steinbach MLA not attending

Provencher MP Ted Falk and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen are not attending Steinbach pride march.

“He [Goertzen] is not attending the event due to a previous personal commitment,” said in an email to CTV from his staff Tuesday.

MP’s Ted Falk’s office sent a statement on him not attending the event:



“I will not be attending the Pride march taking place in Steinbach on July 9, nor do I intend to participate in any other events organized by this group. Just as I respect the right of people to participate in this event, I am hopeful the event organizers will be respectful of my choice, and the choice of many others, not to participate.

Even without a scheduling conflict, my decision to not attend would be the same.

I've been clear on this issue many times, and have made my position public on my values of faith, family and community.

I would expect that the organizers of any public event would be respectful and not create division in our community over any person’s individual choice whether or not to participate in their particular event.”