A Detroit-area community has banned LGBTQ+ flags from publicly owned flagpoles. The unanimous vote by the Hamtramck City Council came during a tense meeting that raised questions about discrimination, religion and the city’s reputation for welcoming newcomers. The council voted to display only certain flags, including the American flag and one that represents the native countries of immigrant residents. More than 40% of Hamtramck's residents were born in other countries, especially Yemen and Bangladesh. Some members of the all-Muslim council said the pride flag clashes with the beliefs of some members of their faith. Residents and businesses are free to fly pride flags.

A Detroit-area community has banned LGBTQ+ flags from publicly owned flagpoles. The unanimous vote by the Hamtramck City Council came during a tense meeting that raised questions about discrimination, religion and the city’s reputation for welcoming newcomers. The council voted to display only certain flags, including the American flag and one that represents the native countries of immigrant residents. More than 40% of Hamtramck’s residents were born in other countries, especially Yemen and Bangladesh. Some members of the all-Muslim council said the pride flag clashes with the beliefs of some members of their faith. Residents and businesses are free to fly pride flags.

  • admiralteal
    21•1 year ago

    Political speech is the most protected form of speech. A ban allowing a Russian or Saudi flag but not a Pride flag is unlikely to pass any constitutional muster. A complete flag ban might be able to, though it would still be awful.

    But now we also know that Hamtramck near Detroit is a place full of people who do not want LGBTQ+ people to exist in public. Hamtramck, Michigan. A place full of bigots. Proudly bigotted. It’s even part of their official Wikipedia identity now. Good for them, letting the world know their true colors.

    • roofuskit
      3•1 year ago

      Yeah, the second they decided some and not others equal protection kicked in.