HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Public Comment - K. Christian - Vote No on Making the Pride Flag a City FlagFrom:Kapri Christian
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Vote No on Making the Pride Flag a City Flag
Date:Monday, July 14, 2025 7:27:10 PM
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Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the resolution to designate the Pride flag as an
official flag of Bozeman. While I respect every individual, this proposal goes beyondsymbolism and represents a political decision that conflicts with the purpose of House Bill 819
and undermines government neutrality. Turning the law’s ambiguity into a loophole is not anappropriate way to move forward.
1. HB 819 aims to keep government spaces neutral—this resolution bypasses that goal.
House Bill 819, signed on May 13, 2025, prohibits flags on public buildings that representpolitical ideologies, identity groups, or causes, including those related to race, gender, and
sexual orientation. The only exception allows cities to fly officially adopted municipal flags.This was meant for city flags that represent all residents—not to use a political or cultural
symbol to circumvent the law.
Labeling the Pride flag as an “official city flag” is a clear attempt to sidestep the law ratherthan follow its intent. This sets a troubling precedent of using legal technicalities to promote
specific ideologies through government channels without broader community agreement.
2. The Pride flag is a political and cultural symbol, not a neutral one.Although some view it as a sign of inclusion, the Pride flag represents a specific political
worldview related to identity and social issues. It is widely used by advocacy groups andpolitical organizations to signal particular positions. That is why HB 819 excludes such
symbols from government buildings.
By adopting the Pride flag officially, Bozeman’s government aligns itself with a particular setof beliefs rather than serving the whole community equally. Official city flags should
represent every resident, regardless of their personal views or identities.
3. Making the Pride flag official risks increasing division and eroding trust.The community is already divided on this topic. Approving this resolution will deepen those
divides rather than unite the city. Other Montana cities that acted quickly on similar proposalshave faced public and political backlash. Bozeman should learn from these examples and
avoid repeating the same mistake.
Our city should be known for fairness and unity—not for taking political shortcuts thatalienate parts of the community.
4. Opposing this resolution is about maintaining government neutrality, not rejecting
individuals.Disagreeing with this measure is not a rejection of any group. Rather, it is a call to keep
government symbols free from political or ideological endorsements. Municipal government
should represent all citizens equally, not promote any particular agenda or identity group.
Bozeman deserves a city flag that brings people together. I respectfully ask you to vote no onthis resolution out of respect for the law, neutrality in government, and the community as a
whole.
Sincerely,Kapri Christian
Bozeman, MT