HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-25 Public Comment - H. Klein - Opposition to the pride flagFrom:Heather Klein
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Opposition to the pride flag
Date:Monday, July 14, 2025 7:52:34 AM
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To the Bozeman City Commission:
I am writing to respectfully express my opposition to the proposal of adopting the
“pride” flag as an official city flag. While I recognize the good intentions behind this
idea, I believe it would be a mistake to align the city government with any political or
ideological symbol.
Government has a duty to remain neutral, serving every resident equally — not
signaling endorsement of one viewpoint over others. Symbols matter. Official city
emblems should represent all citizens, not a specific group, no matter how worthy
their cause may seem. When government adopts symbols tied to political or
ideological movements, it risks dividing the community rather than uniting it.
Supporters argue that flying the pride flag makes LGBTQ+ residents feel safe. But
genuine safety and inclusion do not come from symbolic gestures. They come from
fair laws, equal treatment, and neutral governance. Elevating the pride flag as a city
emblem risks alienating those who may hold different beliefs, making some residentsfeel unwelcome or silenced in their own city government.
Some have said that visibility prevents isolation for youth — but emotional appeals,
however heartfelt, should not drive official policy. The city already has programs in
place, like a community liaison and a DEI plan informed by LGBTQ+ voices. Theseefforts are meaningful. Turning the city flag into an ideological statement, however,
would only politicize city government further.
Others have claimed that neutrality is a form of oppression. I strongly disagree.
Neutrality is not complicity; it is a constitutional responsibility. It is what ensures thatthe city serves all residents fairly, without favoritism or bias. Labeling those who value
neutrality as hateful or insecure is a harmful and divisive tactic — one that shuts down
dialogue rather than encourages it.
Bozeman faces real challenges: housing affordability, infrastructure needs, publicsafety, and managing growth. These are the issues that impact every family here.
Let’s focus our collective energy on solutions that serve the common good — not on
culture war gestures that divide our community.
I urge the Commission to reject this proposal and instead uphold the principle that ourcity government belongs to every citizen equally, without ideological affiliation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Heather Klein
5440 Heavenly Ln
406-600-5732