HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Public Comment - S. Kleingartner - City FlagFrom:Sharon Kleingartner
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Flag
Date:Tuesday, July 15, 2025 10:23:45 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I am very definitely in opposition to the City of Bozeman approving the "pride" flag as the
official city symbol. Why are we wasting valuable commission energy, time and taxpayermoney on one ideology when there are so many other groups who are not given the same
attention i.e. Native Americans, the Jewish population, Christian groups. These are several ofthe most disrespected groups in our society. Shouldn't the city and its commissioners be
neutral, not signaling loyalty with one faction.Will I feel safer knowing the Pride Flag is my city's official symbol? Will displaying their flag
signal the city is a safe place? Definitely not, I avoid going downtown or anywhere near wherethis group of individuals are gathering. I feel threatened and unsafe as they can be very
offensive. If the city decides to "side" with this group it is creating more divisiveness thancreating unity.
The Pride Flag should not be flown on any public building, any school classroom or library. The LGBTQ+ groups are free to display the "pride" flag and other symbols on private
property which I have no problem with, just don't shove it down my throat wherever I go,whatever I do. We have a gay family member who has a partner, they are very well accepted
in the family. We don't all agree with their life choice, but they don't make a big issue of theirchoice. To us they are family, which is where these discussions, if they are needed, should be
held not in the public square. Let's adopt a neutral policy which includes all residents equally and preserves trust in our city
commission. We have one "pride" flag and it is the flag of the United States of America, itincludes all, not one ideology.
Sharon Kleingartner
4247 Palisade DriveBozeman, MT 59718