Strathroy-Caradoc council is about to debate a motion to ban all flags from municipal flag poles, with the exception of Canadian, provincial and municipal flags. It’s a proposal that has some marginalized groups upset, including Strathroy Pride. The municipality first raised the Pride flag outside the municipal office in July 2020.
Strathroy Pride Director, Frank Emanuele, said he felt supported by the community. “It’s a very symbolic gesture,” he said. “It shows that this truly is a very diverse community, and that the township is in support of that celebration of diversity,” he said.
Pride flag is raised at Strathroy-Caradoc municipal office in Strathroy, Ont. in July 2020. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) Emanuele said he was taken aback when he learned there’s a motion going to council that would take away the privilege of flying the Pride flag outside municipal buildings.
“Our events run very smoothly, and the flag raising has always been very much praised and attended in town, so I was surprised,” he said. “I was surprised that this motion is even coming to the table.” Strathroy Pride Director, Frank Emanuele, traverses the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Strathroy, Ont.
on Oct. 29, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) The notice of motion to amend the flag bylaw has been introduced by Councillor Brian Derbyshire, who believes the municipality should remain neutral when it comes to flag raising requests from outside groups.
“I’m saying on municipal.
