On June 4th, 2024, the Newcastle City Council voted
against raising the Pride flag at city hall for Pride Month, with a close majority of 4-3. This
decision has sparked considerable controversy and highlighted underlying issues of intolerance and
privilege within the council.
The Vote and Arguments
Mayor Robert Clark
and council members Pratima Lakhotia, Steve Tallman, and Tom Griffin voted against the motion to
raise the Pride flag. Mayor Clark argued that raising the Pride flag could lead to the necessity of
flying other potentially divisive symbols, drawing an offensive and misleading comparison between
the Pride flag and symbols associated with hate, such as the Hamas flag and the MAGA flag. “If
we raise one flag, we got to raise everybody’s flag,” Mayor Clark said during the City
Council meeting. “Do you want a Hamas flag flying over the city of Newcastle? Or a MAGA flag or
a Trump flag? How about an Antifa flag? We’re not going there folks, not while I’m the
mayor.”
In a prepared statement obtained by KIRO 7, Mayor Clark elaborated, "If
people want to celebrate Pride Month in their own way, I will cheer them on. I will not,
however, tell the rest of the community that they also must cheer them on, and the government
raising the flag would say that. I am aware that many people cannot (or will not) agree with me,
but I am firm in my beliefs.” Clark further emphasized his stance by stating, "My
position is that government should be very limited. The first amendment was created for a
reason. To allow freedom of assembly, speech, and religion. The government has no right to tell
people what to say, what to think, or what to do. Provided, of course, that people are
exercising their rights peacefully and legally."
In stark contrast, council members
Paul Charbonneau, Sun Burford, and Ariana Sherlock, who supported the motion, emphasized the
importance of inclusivity and the positive impact of flying the Pride flag on the local LGBTQ+
community. They argued that raising the flag is a powerful gesture of support and an invitation for
engagement from underrepresented groups. They underscored that the real harm and violence are
experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals, not by those who oppose the Pride flag.
Charbonneau, who
proposed the proclamation, expressed his shock and disappointment at the outcome. "It was
jarring to me, I was really surprised to hear it, I think a lot of people were surprised to hear
it," Charbonneau said. He added, "I was terrified that I exposed these folks to more
harm because they had to listen to that, and that hurt."
Reactions and
Implications
Councilmember Burford criticized the intolerant and outdated views
expressed by some of her colleagues, calling for leaders who embrace diversity and acceptance. "This
decision underscores the disconnect between the privileged perspectives of some leaders and the
actual struggles faced by minoritized communities," Burford stated.
The vote has
drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies who see the decision as a step backward for
Newcastle. Local activist Jamie Nguyen commented, "Refusing to raise the Pride flag is a refusal
to acknowledge and support the LGBTQ+ community. It's a clear message that our city leaders are
not willing to stand with us in the fight for equality and acceptance."
Historical
Context and Current Struggles
Newcastle had joined many other Washington cities in
raising a Pride flag for the month of June over the past few years. However, that newfound tradition
ends here. In comparison, Seattle has been raising the Pride flag over its city hall for the last 12
years, illustrating a commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. “This is
something our entire city takes pride in,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said. “When we
talk about pride, it’s a pride in the pain we overcome as a community.” This year also
marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride, further underscoring the importance of these symbols of
solidarity.
The debate over raising the Pride flag is not new, but it is particularly
poignant in the current social climate. With increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ issues and rights,
symbols like the Pride flag have become more than just decorations—they are statements of solidarity
and commitment to the ongoing fight for equality. The refusal to raise the flag in Newcastle is a
stark reminder that despite progress, there is still significant resistance rooted in privilege and
intolerance.
Moving Forward
For Newcastle to become a truly inclusive
community, it is essential that its leaders recognize the importance of visibility and support for
all its residents. Raising the Pride flag is a simple yet powerful way to show that Newcastle values
diversity and stands against discrimination. As the city moves forward, it will be crucial to
continue these conversations and work towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for
everyone.
Councilmember Charbonneau announced that a community pride event is scheduled for 5
p.m. at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle on Tuesday, June 18th. This event aims to celebrate Pride Month
and offer support to the local LGBTQ+ community despite the council's decision.
Sources
-
Kiro7: Newcastle City Council votes against raising Pride
flag
- King5: Newcastle City Council votes not to raise Pride flag in
June
- MyNorthWest: Newcastle not raising Pride flag over city hall: ‘You
want a Hamas flag? Or a MAGA flag?’
