In this file photo, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks to several thousand people at a climate strike rally Oct. 11, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Red Deer RCMP have determined the widely condemned, sexually offensive cartoon decal of environmentalist Greta Thunberg does not constitute a crime.

Sgt. Karyn Kay said police hope not to see the decal in use, but can’t stop people from distributing it.

“It’s something we certainly don’t condone here, and we don’t think it’s OK, especially not in Red Deer. We don’t like it,” Kay said.

A spokesperson with Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre said the decal depicted rape.

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On Wednesday, many people were outraged by a social media post of the decal of the 17-year-old Swedish climate activist, which also featured the logo of Red Deer-based oil services company X-Site Energy Services.

A spokesman for X-Site Energy Services told other sources that no one from the company had anything to do with the decal, and that an unknown third party posted it to Facebook. General manager Doug Sparrow declined comment on the matter when contact by the Advocate.

RCMP said in consultation with police officers whose expertise includes the sexual exploitation of children, Red Deer RCMP determined that the decal does not meet the elements of child pornography. Nor does the decal depict a non-consensual act that would be a direct threat to the person.

Kay said police hope public disapproval will discourage use of the decal.

“That’s what we’re hoping for, is that society will make sure those people know that behaviour is not OK and we don’t tolerate it here.”



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