by JACKSON WALKER | The National Desk
Tue, March 12th 2024 at 1:06 PM
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (TND) — Voters in Huntington Beach, California approved an amendment to the city’s charter last week restricting the kinds of flags that can be displayed in city buildings.
Only the city flag, the Orange County flag, the California state flag and the American flag, along with some military flags and the Olympic flag, can be displayed in buildings under the amendment. Though only 33.7% of voters turned out for the vote, 57.4% overall approved the amendment.
The amendment also notes that “any other flag” can be flown on city grounds if authorized unanimously by the city council.
Members of the community are now raising concerns over the LGBT Pride flag being banned under the amendment despite the flag not being explicitly mentioned. The LGBTQ Center Orange County has launched a petition attempting to reverse the decision.
“This new ordinance reinforces the age-old perception that Huntington Beach is not a welcoming city for LGBTQ+ people,” petition organizers wrote. “Whether intentional or not, the message is loud and clear – Huntington Beach is not interested in lifting up LGBTQ+ people.”
A form on the center’s website also allows anyone located in Huntington Beach to request a free Pride flag.
