HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – City officials have announced that the Pride flag will not be flown at Huntington City Hall during this year’s Pride Month.
The decision was shared in a statement posted to the City’s official Facebook page.
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City leaders said that only the United States, West Virginia, and City of Huntington flags will be displayed “to serve every resident equitably and align with federal guidelines.”
In a full statement, the City wrote:
“At City Hall, we proudly raise the flags of the United States of America, the State of West Virginia, and the City of Huntington. These symbols represent the enduring values of freedom, opportunity, and togetherness that define our community and unite all who call Huntington home.
In our effort to serve every resident equitably and align with federal and state guidelines, we have chosen to display only these official flags at this time. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining a welcoming public space where every individual is respected and represented under the shared flags of our nation, state, and city.
Huntington is, and will continue to be, a city where every person is valued, protected, and treated fairly. By focusing on the symbols that connect us, we reaffirm our dedication to unity, inclusion, and the common good.”
In previous years, the Pride flag has been flown beneath the City of Huntington flag on the flagpole outside City Hall throughout the month of June.
Huntington Councilwoman Ally Layman responded to the decision, encouraging residents to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community in other ways:
“You can’t have community without unity. And this Pride Month, I want Huntington to show exactly what kind of community we are.
Since the Mayor has chosen not to fly the Pride flag at City Hall this year, I’m asking all of you to help fill our city with pride in every way you can. Hang a flag at your home. Put one in your shop window. Stick one on your car. Let’s cover Huntington in color, in love, and in a message that says everyone belongs here.
Because this isn’t just about a flag. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ people, especially our trans neighbors, are being targeted by cruel laws and hateful rhetoric. Visibility matters. Compassion matters. And what we do right here in our hometown matters, too.
Let’s be the kind of city that leads with heart.
Let’s show up. Let’s show love. Let’s show pride.”
