When a new activity center in Enköping was set to be inaugurated, the staff had prepared a Pride rainbow-colored ribbon. But Kristina Eriksson (Christian Democrats), chair of the Recreation Committee, declined and stuck to the blue and yellow colors she has used at inaugurations during her nearly eight years as chair. The decision has sparked criticism, but Eriksson emphasizes that she made no exception from established routines and traditions.
It was in August when Västerleden’s activity center in Enköping was to be inaugurated. The newly built facility includes a sports hall and the youth center V-Boden. Ahead of the ceremony, the staff ordered a ribbon in the colors of the Pride rainbow. The symbolism was intentional. For several years, the operation has, for unclear reasons, worked with LGBTQI+ issues and was recently “re-certified” in the area.
But when Kristina Eriksson (Christian Democrats), who was to take part in the ribbon-cutting, learned of the planned rainbow ribbon, she said no. The ribbon was therefore swapped out shortly before the inauguration for the traditional blue and yellow one.
“These aren’t my traditions,” she told Enköpings-Posten about her decision and stance.
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The statement clarifies that Eriksson isn’t just referring to the practicalities of how she usually conducts inaugurations. She is also holding to the tradition she herself wishes to represent in her role as chair – the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag over the rainbow flag.
Has used blue and yellow for nearly eight years
Eriksson explains that she did not introduce any new system due to the rainbow symbolism. On the contrary, by her own account, she stuck to the practice she has applied throughout her time as chair.
“I have had a tradition since I became chair. That was nearly eight years ago. I cut ribbons in the colors of the Swedish flag. And that is inclusive for everyone,” she says.
Eriksson also states that she herself is LGBTQ-certified and rejects the notion that the decision was about making a distinction between different groups. She claims she had no prior information that the staff planned to use a rainbow-colored ribbon. Only later did she find out that there was such a wish.
Criticism from the Social Democrats
The decision was not appreciated by everyone. According to Enköpings-Posten, parts of the staff who planned the inauguration felt disappointment and discomfort when the rainbow-colored ribbon had to be replaced.
The Recreation Committee’s vice chair, Linda Johansson (Social Democrats), also criticizes Eriksson’s actions. She herself only learned of the change afterward and feels it should be seen in the context of the organization’s longstanding work with LGBTQI+ issues.
“To change it when they have built up for it and are so proud of the certification, I think it sends a terrible signal to swap out the ribbon,” Johansson says.
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An essentially minor detail at an opening ceremony has also become a political symbolic issue. For the staff and Social Democrats, the rainbow ribbon was about manifesting the sports activity center’s LGBTQI+ work. For Eriksson, the matter was instead about holding to the blue and yellow tradition she prefers and not replacing it with a more politicized rainbow symbolism.
Senior Moderate: No problem with rainbow ribbon
Also present at the inauguration were administrative manager Hannah Rydstedt Nencioni and municipal council chair Peter Book (Moderates). Book does not wish to comment further on Kristina Eriksson’s conduct.
He says that matters concerning other parties’ actions within the political administration are discussed internally, not with the media. At the same time, he notes that, on a personal level, he would have had no issue using the ribbon chosen by the staff.
“Personally, I have no problem cutting a rainbow ribbon. We Moderates stand for the equal value of all people,” he stated in writing to Enköpings-Posten.
Kristina Eriksson, however, stands by her decision. For her, the Swedish flag’s colors are what apply when she performs inaugurations – and the rainbow flag, in her own words, is not part of her traditions.