Gilroy council approves progressive pride flag for City Hall after heated public comment (5–2)
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Summary
After public testimony from students, nonprofit leaders and residents on both sides, the council approved a commemorative progressive pride flag application for City Hall by a 5–2 vote, and directed staff to return with a 'fair memo' to consider a community flagpole option for future requests.
The Gilroy City Council voted 5–2 on Dec. 16 to approve an application to fly a progressive pride flag at City Hall under the city’s commemorative flag policy.
Staff reported that one qualifying application had been received and that the policy allows commemorative flags to be displayed on a flagpole at City Hall. Councilmembers debated weighing tradition with inclusion and discussed a proposal to develop a 'fair memo' to consider a separate community flagpole so commemorative flags need not be displayed on the same pole as the U.S. and state flags.
Public comment was extensive and sharply divided. Students and nonprofit leaders urged approval, citing high rates of harassment of LGBTQ youth and the symbolic importance of municipal support. Speakers described surveys of high school students and higher rates of discrimination experienced by LGBTQ youth to argue that visible signals of support save lives. Other residents argued the city flagpole should remain reserved for government flags and warned that flying a pride flag could further divide an already-polarized community.
Councilmember Hilton moved to approve the progressive pride flag application. The motion passed on roll call, 5–2 (Councilmembers Bracco and Klein voted no). Several councilmembers said they supported the application while also asking staff to bring forward a fair-memo to explore alternate flagpole options and broader policy changes to ensure consistent processes for different community groups.
What happens next: staff will process the approved commemorative flag application consistent with the city policy and will return with a fairness memorandum and options for a community flagpole or policy revisions to be considered at a future meeting.