Voters in Huntington Beach, Calif., to weigh in on banning Pride flags on city property
Voters in Huntington Beach, California, will decide whether a ban on flying the Pride and other nongovernmental flags on city property should be in its charter.
Voters in Huntington Beach, California, will decide Tuesday whether a ban on flying the rainbow Pride flag and other nongovernmental banners on city property will be enshrined in its municipal charter.
Measure B in the seaside community known for its big waves and annual dog surfing competition would prohibit the display of Pride, breast cancer awareness and religious flags in places like City Hall.
The ballot measure builds on an ordinance approved last year by the conservative City Council majority, which undid a previous council vote in favor of flying the rainbow flag on city buildings during Pride Month in June.
“It’s not just that they’re making a decision not to fly any nongovernment flag,” said Peg Coley, the executive director of the LGBTQ Center Orange County. “They are unwinding an inclusive policy. They’re reversing diversity and inclusion.”
Measure B would exempt city, county and state flags, as well as the U.S. and armed forces flags, from the ban. Commemorative banners, like those for POW-MIAs or the Olympics, also would be allowed.
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