HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-12-25 Public Comment - M. MacLean - Adopt the Pride Flag as our Official City FlagFrom:Mary MacLean
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Adopt the Pride Flag as our Official City Flag
Date:Thursday, June 12, 2025 12:44:39 PM
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Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing to express my support for the adoption of the pride flag as our official City of
Bozeman flag at your upcoming 17 June City Commission meeting. This would further solidify
Mayor Terry Cunningham’s recently issued proclamation declaring June as Pride Month in
Bozeman, and that the City of Bozeman is a welcoming safe place for everyone. I was shocked
in 2014 to learn that the city was just passing an ordinance banning LGBTQ discrimination in
the workplace, housing, and public accommodations because it was 20 years behind the
times, and it frankly should have included banking, and hate crimes too. But thankfully it was
something, and it has held.
Now we have House Bill 819, which Governor Gianforte signed into law on May 13, restricting
the flags government buildings may display. It specifically states that “No flags or banners may
be displayed on state property that represents a political viewpoint, including but not limited
to flags or banners regarding a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political
ideology.”
These exclusions of flags being flown on government property and public schools are
pointedly targeting the LGBTQ community and taking away local control. How is it that a flag
that symbolizes inclusivity for LBGTQ people would be wrong for our city, but flying the
Confederate flag (a symbol of black slave ownership, and white superiority) is allowed? This
does not make any sense, let alone it is outright bigotry.
Being LBGTQ is more than sexuality, it’s your identity, the freedom to love someone, and
belonging as the person you are. I hate to think Bozeman would support being a community of
hostility and oppression. Adopting the Pride flag would symbolize that hate and superiority
won’t be tolerated here. It doesn’t ask or make anyone do anything except be respectful of
and tolerate everyone who wants to live here peacefully and feel safe.
Governor Gianforte has recently criticized the Missoula City Council for making the flying of a
“divisive” flag” their top priority. That’s intolerance, that’s not loving thy neighbor, and that is
not what makes a vibrant community flourish. I respectfully ask that you stand up for LBGTQ
people who make Bozeman a great place to live, work, do business, and feel safe and
welcomed. Please adopt this pride flag as our official City of Bozeman flag and let it fly. It
would show why Bozeman is a great city to be a part of.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Mary MacLean
Bozeman Resident