A Statement from Gregor Robertson

Mayor Gregor Robertson issued the following statement in connection with a June 12 attack on Peter Regier and David Holtzman outside their home in Vancouver:

"I am very troubled and saddened by the assault of two citizens Saturday night in what clearly appears to be an incident of physical and verbal aggression against citizens for who they are.

My sympathies and deep concern go out to the two gentlemen who were injured as they approached their home.

Vancouver is a wonderfully diverse city and there is zero tolerance for any action or behaviour that discriminates or harms people for their beliefs, ethnicity or sexuality.

Vancouver has a dynamic and strong gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer community that contributes greatly to the fabric of our city. We cannot tolerate aggression of any kind toward members of the LGBTQ community. It is completely unacceptable.

Canada is one of the most diverse and tolerant countries in the world. Our diversity and embrace of all persons makes us the rich culture we enjoy.

We all must take a strong stand against this type of behaviour, as the courts have recently done in ruling a similar incident as a hate crime. If citizens have information, they should step forward to assist the police in their investigation of this incident."