In a significant reversal, the Newcastle City Council has voted to raise the LGBTQ+ Pride flag at City Hall, following extensive public outcry and debate. The council's initial decision on June 4 to not fly the Pride flag was met with strong opposition from the community, culminating in a new vote on June 18 where the motion passed 4-3.

Background and Initial Decision
The controversy began earlier this month when the Newcastle City Council voted against raising the Pride flag. Mayor Robert Clark, who led the opposition, argued that allowing the Pride flag could set a precedent for other groups, including those with controversial or extremist views, to demand their flags be flown as well. "If we start raising flags, then we’ve got to raise everybody’s. Do you want a Hamas flag flying over the city of Newcastle? Or a MAGA flag? How about a Trump flag or an Antifa flag? We’re not going there, folks," he stated during the June 4 meeting.

Deputy Mayor Pratima Lakhotia explained that the decision was part of a broader policy to avoid highlighting any minority groups through proclamations, aiming to promote inclusivity by not singling out any specific group.

Public Outcry and Reversal
The initial vote sparked a significant backlash. LGBTQ+ advocates and allies organized a rally at Lake Boren Park, marching to City Hall to voice their dissent. The rally saw passionate speeches from community leaders, including Corrinalyn Guyette, president of Eastside Pride Pacific Northwest, who emphasized the importance of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. "We will continue to come back, and we will fight the good fight to ensure that we are seen, heard, loved, and supported," Gyette declared.

The public outcry reached its peak during the June 18 council meeting, where an unprecedented number of residents attended to express their views. The meeting, which lasted over two hours, featured a wide array of opinions. Some residents, like Owen G., echoed the mayor's concerns about potential chaos from raising multiple flags. Others, however, strongly supported the Pride flag, viewing it as a necessary symbol of love and acceptance.

Key Votes and Statements
The pivotal change came when Deputy Mayor Lakhotia reversed her initial vote, citing careful consideration and a desire to respect the majority of Newcastle residents who supported the flag-raising. "As a city, we decided not to do any proclamations this year because we did not want to leave out any minority groups. Our city is made up of many minority groups. We wanted everyone to feel equal," she explained, later adding, "A majority of Newcastle wanted this, and I think as a council member, it’s my duty to respect the majority."

Councilmember Paul Charbonneau, who had initially proposed the motion to raise the Pride flag, expressed relief and hope following the reversal. He emphasized that the decision was about recognizing the struggles and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. "This is about a group of people that have had to struggle and fight for their rights over a long, very rough history. It’s not about the American flag. It’s not about your faith. It’s about these folks," Charbonneau stated.

Mayor Clark's Continued Opposition
Despite the vote, Mayor Clark remained steadfast in his opposition. In a prepared statement, he reiterated his belief that the government should avoid involvement in social and cultural issues, asserting that unity should be found under the American flag alone. "All people are welcome in Newcastle and are free to fly a pride flag at their own locations. The deputy mayor flipped her vote, for reasons only she knows. So, while the pride flag is now flying, I will not give up my resolve to unite our city and community under the one great symbol of our country, the US flag, eliminating silos, hate and division along the way," Clark stated.

Looking Forward
The decision to raise the Pride flag marks a significant moment for the Newcastle community, reflecting broader societal debates about inclusion, representation, and the role of government in cultural issues. As Newcastle joins other cities in Washington State in flying the Pride flag, supporters hope it signals a step towards greater acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Charbonneau, reflecting on the vote, expressed optimism for the future. "My hope is that a lot of folk’s eyes have been opened about what’s gone on here in our local government. I hope it’s not this much of a fight next year."

The Pride flag will continue to fly over Newcastle City Hall for the remainder of June, serving as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the community's resilience and unity.

Sources:
- FOX 13: Seattle Pride flag will fly at Newcastle City Hall after the reversal of a vote initially against it
- KOMO News: Newcastle City Council flips decision to raise Pride flag at City Hall after public outcry
- MyNorthwest: Pride flag raised at Newcastle City Hall after City Council reverses decision