Another act of vandalism has struck an Ontario-based pro-life billboard in yet another alarming and provocative incident that law enforcement agencies are reportedly treating as a hate crime. The advertisement, backed by Lambton Right to Life (LRTL), a pro-life organization, was desecrated and set aflame on August 18. This marks the fifth such occasion of deliberate damage dealt to the billboard that is sited alongside a road in Lambton County, Ontario.
The Lambton Right to Life Facebook page shares images of the damaged sign, which originally displayed the messages “Choose Life” and “Take my hand, not my life,” alongside heartwarming images of a mother cradling her young baby and an infant’s hand reaching out to clasp a parent’s hand. The suspects manipulated the billboard, replacing the word “life” with “death” and burning sections of the images. A mobile sign’s tire was also set on fire.
The attack on the billboard is reportedly not an isolated assault. Deacon John Lammers, The President of LRTL said that this sign has been the target of consistent destruction over the years, including an earlier act of arson that reduced it to ashes. Furthermore, they’ve experienced instances where their panels were removed and an organized raid led by pro-abortion activists.
Despite the repeated attacks on the message displayed on the billboard, Lammers expressed his unwavering commitment to the laudable cause of life, promising to repair and reconstruct the billboard. He pointed out that such hostility is an anticipated part of their endeavor to create a culture valuing life amidst an increasingly nihilistic society.
Incidents like these are not alien to pro-life activists in Ontario. The 40 Days for Life vigil in Toronto was previously attacked and robbed of their signs by an anonymous man. Additionally, an Ontario judge recently greenlit the continuation of a litigation case against a pro-abortion TikTok user who was exploiting digital platforms to disrupt their prayer vigils.