HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-25 Public Comment - L. Weaver - Public comment_ city flagFrom:LISA WEAVER
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public comment: city flag
Date:Friday, July 11, 2025 4:51:47 PM
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Dear Commissioners and Mayor,
I understand there is discussion about making the “pride” flag an official flag to fly outsidethe City Hall. I am in agreement with commissioner Fischer comments, “It’s clear to me fromthe public comment that we cannot bring people together over adopting the Pride flag as asymbol and flying it over city hall.”
The commissioners responsibility is to represent ALL of its citizens, which is the purposeof HB 819, to “ensure government entities remain a place of neutrality.”
It states that, “Government buildings, schools and public facilities serve ALL citizens andshould not be used to promote political, ideological or activist messaging,” and that flags mustrepresent our “collective identity and heritage.”
This definition does include the official city flag of Bozeman which is currently flying overthe City Hall and which accurately reflects the culture and history of our entire city, not just aselect portion of the population.
The discussion on this matter is a moot point as our state law is clear that no flags or bannersmay be displayed that represent a political viewpoint, political party, race or sexualorientation. [Section 3(2)(a) ]
Thus, making the Pride flag an official flag if the city still does not fit the definition of what isacceptable and would put the commissioners at odds with the law and their personal oaths touphold the laws of the state of Montana.
As with Missoula and Butte, such action would further open the commissioners as well as thecity to multiple lawsuits and unnecessary spending of taxpayers dollars in lengthy andexpensive litigation that would ultimately fail because it clearly fails the test of the law.
If citizens wish to petition the government to change the laws they may do so at their ownexpense. But this debate should not be pursued at the expense of taxpayers.
In addition, such an action would also open the city to multiple petitions by multipleorganizations and people groups who likewise want to feel “welcomed” to the city.
Please stick with the flags that are in place and already represent our corporate culture andheritage. This would save the city countless hours, growing division and a great deal of
taxpayer money.
Sincerely,Lisa WeaverBozeman, MtSent from my iPhone