Huntington Beach, California, recently made headlines as voters approved a measure that restricts the flying of non-government flags on city property. Measure B, authored by City Councilman Pat Burns, received majority support from the city’s residents during the Super Tuesday voting.
The measure will prohibit the display of flags such as breast cancer awareness, Pride, Confederate, and other non-U.S flags on city property. Burns clarified that the intention behind the measure was not to discriminate against any specific group but rather to foster unity under a common American identity. He expressed his belief that identity politics are divisive and demeaning, stating that people should be viewed as equals without the need for special recognition.
However, the measure has faced significant backlash from LGBTQ advocates, who argue that it perpetuates intolerance and demonstrates a lack of support for minority communities. Peg Coley, the executive director of the LGBTQ Center Orange County, criticized the Huntington Beach City Council, claiming it is “run by a hateful majority” that prioritizes advancing an agenda of intolerance.
Progressive groups in the community have also voiced their opposition to the measure’s passage. They argue that the city government should not engage in identity politics and instead focus on promoting inclusivity and diversity.
It is worth noting that Huntington Beach has previously flown the rainbow flag during Pride month over the past two years. However, the display of non-government flags had not been a significant part of the city’s aesthetics before the implementation of Measure B.
Under the new measure, only the U.S. flag, the State of California flag, the County of Orange flag, the City of Huntington Beach flag, the POW-MIA flag, the six Armed Forces flags, and the Olympic flag during the Summer Olympic Games can be mounted on city property.
Despite the passage of Measure B, the city council still has the authority to approve certain flags for display through a unanimous vote. This provision allows for potential exceptions to the general restriction.
Huntington Beach is not the first city to implement such restrictions. In 2022, a city in Michigan also banned the display of Pride flags on city property. Additionally, several cities in New York and Connecticut enacted similar policies last year.
As the debate surrounding the measure continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact the community and its perception of inclusivity.
