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A life-sized bronze statue honoring Emily Murphy, a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Canada, has been reported stolen from an Edmonton park. According to David Turnbull of the Edmonton Arts Council, only the shoes of the statue remain, indicating it was cut off at the ankles using a power tool earlier this week.
Emily Murphy holds the distinction of being Alberta’s first female judge and was among the group known as the Famous Five, who significantly contributed to the 1929 Persons Case. This landmark case challenged the exclusion of women from being recognized as legal “persons,” which hindered their eligibility for Senate appointments.
Despite her pivotal role in advancing women’s rights, Murphy’s legacy is complex. Turnbull noted that she was considered a controversial figure due to her support for certain racist policies and eugenics, which complicates her standing in contemporary discussions about equality and representation.
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In recent times, the defacement of monuments and statues has sparked broader conversations about historical figures and the values they represent. The theft of Murphy’s statue raises questions not only about the preservation of history but also about how society chooses to honor or criticize its historical narratives.
Source
globalnews.ca