GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – You can see a pride flag under the American flag in front of Green Bay City Hall during the month of June.
The display is stirring up conversation.
Andrew Minton says the pride flags popping up around Green Bay don’t bother him. But what does is hearing an idea that flags like these should be taken down from City Hall.
“I don’t think it would be exactly fair because I think flags like the pride flag mean a lot to people.”
The City of Green Bay does not have a policy about flag poles. Alderman Chris Wery wants to change that.
He requested during Monday’s Protection and Policy Committee meeting to only fly the U.S. flag, Wisconsin State flag, and City of Green Bay flag at city facilities and at City Hall.
And that the City Council would have to approve ceremonial flags with significance to Green Bay’s history.
“Most people feel like flagpoles should not be used for political or social commentary. Because who’s in charge of the type of flag or the message. Is it the mayor? Evidently, it is because we weren’t involved in any of the planning or approvals.”
Wery says there needs to be a precedent when it comes to what can and can’t fly in front of city buildings.
“If you can imagine if you start down this path you could have future mayors who have pretty bold and wild statements that they want to put up there without anybody’s approval.”
Wery says he had many residents reach out to him about the pride flag.
District 1 alderwoman Jennifer Grant also heard from her constituents.
Grant says personal views should be left for private properties.
“But as government, we need to focus on policies and not being divided and torn and representing certain people throughout the year.”
Still, some residents feel that taking down flags in front of City Hall, like the one flying during the month of June would be wrong.
“I think flags like the pride flag mean a lot to people,” said Minton.
“I think they would feel shunned by the city. It’s been a long long journey getting accepted,” said Tena Lasnowki.
The committee voted to refer the policy to fly the three flags to staff.
Mayor Eric Genrich raised the pride flag at City Hall earlier this month.
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