A town on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast is apologizing for a Harry Potter-themed display in a municipal park after it “raised concerns” in the community. The Town of Gibsons posted photos of the display on Oct. 24, thanking the parks department for its efforts. On Sunday, the town issued its apology. “We understand that the Harry Potter series has become a difficult subject for many, particularly transgender people, because of the public statements and actions of its author,” the post said. “While the display was intended as a fun Halloween theme, we recognize that it carries different meanings for different people. We apologize to those who felt hurt as a result.” The town said it is committed to incorporating the feedback it received into future decisions. Last year, the Vancouver Park Board came under fire for bringing a Harry Potter attraction to Stanley Park. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, was an event the board expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue for the city. The event was not cancelled but the park board unanimously passed a motion apologizing for the decision to host it and “for the harms caused to transgender, gender diverse and Two-Spirit people and their community.”
