HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-07-22_PS_Flag Raising_FINAL
We believe that members of the LGBTQ+ community are a vital part of our Municipality. We also
believe that residents everywhere should be able to live in, and enjoy, an inclusive,
discrimination-free environment. While these are statements that we believe in, there was a
delay in getting this important work done. We know that showing what we believe is just as
important as responding to requests that fall within our organizational guidelines.
We make that acknowledgement in light of recent scrutiny of our Flag Raising Policy that does
not allow for non-government flags on municipal flag poles, including the Pride flag.
In response to the many messages and comments from our impassioned residents as well as
supporters from outside our small, municipal borders, the Municipality wants to share that the
intention was never to exclude, marginalize or diminish the LGBTQ+ community. Hard-earned
progress should be celebrated, and we need to make sure this recognition is not further delayed.
Therefore, as a step forward, Council will raise the Pride flag at their Main Office for the
remainder of Pride Month. The current Flag Raising Policy will be amended to include
community-interest flags and presented at the July 30 Council meeting for review. Finally, Council
has committed to developing an Action Plan for Diversity and Inclusion in the Municipality of
Chester.
The Pride flag will be jointly unfurled by Warden Allen Webber and Shelley McCorriston,
President of Lunenburg County PRIDE and Municipality of Chester resident, today (July 23) at
1:00 p.m.
Council for the Municipality of Chester
council@chester.ca