The LGBTQ+Pride Month is now being celebrated around the world, and the United States is no exception to this. This event typically involves the use of multicolored flags both as decorative elements and imagery with symbolism. Different brands, public institutions and private entities utilize this time of the year to both express their support toward the LGBTQ+ community, and make some money along the way. However, this is not the case with one Detroit city which has made a regulation for Pride flags.
Recently, a heated and tense debate in the city of Hamtramck, located in Detroit, United States was conducted to regulate the public use and display of the Pride flag. After the discussion, the council decided that the LGBTQ+ flag will be banned from publically owned poles and establishments. However, business and residents are free to display it as long as it is done in their own private property. Council member, Nayeem Choudhury, said this after the debate:
You guys are welcome, (but) why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? You’re already represented. We already know who you are.
This Detroit city has an estimated population of 27,000 people and more than 40% of its inhabitants come from other nations, such as Yemen or Bangladesh, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, the council is all integrated by Muslim members, which express that the flag clashes with the beliefs of their religion and affirmed they are trying to respect the religious rights of their citizens.
As of now, the council agreed to only let the American flag, Michigan flag, and a flag that represents the origin country of immigrant residents be shown in public poles and buildings.
