A Nelson Police Department investigation has concluded there is no evidence to support an allegation of “suspected hate-motivated incidents” against Nelson Public Library staff leading up to the library’s drag story time event on March 11.
Library staff said at the time that they were forced to scrap the event, to be held at the library, after having received threats, which they reported to the police. An impromptu version of the event was held the same day in front of City Hall, drawing a large crowd.
“After a thorough examination of the available evidence, the investigation revealed that there was insufficient evidence to support elements of an offence(s),” deputy chief of police Raj Saini wrote in an email to the Nelson Star.
Saini said the department investigated the incident under Criminal Code section 319 (promoting or inciting hatred) and under section 264 (uttering threats).
The library, in conjunction with the Capitol Theatre, Kootenay Pride, the Nelson and District Arts Council, the Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery, Kootenay Kids, and ANKORS, sponsored another drag story time event at the Nelson United Church on May 3, without incident.
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bill.metcalfe@nelsonstar.com
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