Voters in Huntington Beach, Calif., to weigh in on banning Pride flags on city property

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/voters-in-huntington-beach-calif-to-weigh-in-on-banning-pride-flags-on-city-property/ar-BB1joAzC?ocid=windirect&cvid=70db52ea229d412d9a8ed6cd4173c06d&ei=17

Story by Alicia Victoria Lozano (5 March 2024)

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.

"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.

It would require a unanimous vote by the City Council to fly a commemorative flag from city facilities.

Critics say Measure B is a thinly veiled attack on the LGBTQ community, but supporters say it removes divisive identity politics from the public square.

Since I live within 100 yards of Huntington Beach, I thought I would report that Measure B passed with 58% of the vote. I find the city to be very inclusive and open when it comes to the LGBT community. I do not believe that placing in the city charter a policy that city has had for some time will affect how members of the LGBTQ or any other group are treated in Huntington Beach.

Ellen