Pride flag at City Hall

My office has received a few calls and e-mails questioning why the City is flying the Pride flag at City Hall.

Guelph is pleased to join other Canadian municipalities in flying the Pride flag during the Olympics to show support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community in the face of Russia’s regressive laws against homosexuality.

Our city has flown the Pride flag for many years in the spring to help kick off Pride Week in Guelph.

In this case, we received requests from the public and from Guelph Pride to fly the flag during the Olympics. This is entirely consistent with the City’s policy for our courtesy flag pole, which provides the opportunity for charitable and not-for-profit organizations to fly their flags to promote and recognize events and campaigns.  It is also consistent with the City of Guelph’s values as an inclusive workplace for employees. Please note that the Canadian, Ontario, and Guelph flags are still flying at City Hall.

The Pride flag will fly until Friday, February 14, when the courtesy flag pole is already booked by another community organization.

My personal view is that the Pride flag is about much more than gay rights; it is about promoting an inclusive community that is welcoming to all.