CHELSEA, MI — Chelsea Police are investigating anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ+ flyers distributed in the Lanewood neighborhood of Chelsea.
Chelsea Police Chief Kevin Kajiak said in an email that the fliers are believed to have been distributed between 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Kazak, who had several different flyers criticizing Jews and the LGBTQ+ community for several social disadvantages, spoke about issues such as abortion, hedge funds, and COVID-19.
Kazak said Chelsea police are in contact with the neighborhood and it appears Dexter and Pinckney had similar incidents.
Chelsea resident Debbie Osborne raised the issue at Monday’s Chelsea City Council meeting, saying she was disappointed to hear about the flyers.
Mr Osborne told the meeting: “I know there are a lot of good people at Chelsea who don’t believe in things like this, but there are some who do.” “I just hope everyone learns to respect and respect others.”
“We are going through a testing period on an international level, but in some cases it also has an impact on a local level. The real message here is to be civil to each other and look out for each other,” Chelsea said. City manager Marty Colburn responded.
A letter signed by Chelsea community organizations and the local faith community condemned the flyer.
“Vulgar, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda flyers were distributed here in town this weekend,” the letter states. “We are heartbroken by the rise in anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in and around our community, and across the country, which are in direct contradiction to our values of love, respect, and inclusivity. Please take care. This incident is a stark reminder that hatred and prejudice still exist, even in places where we strive for acceptance and understanding. .”
The letter was signed by Equality Chelsea, One World One Family, St. Paul’s Church of Christ, First United Methodist Church of Chelsea, and numerous Chelsea residents.
Chelsea Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact their local police department.
