Municipality to Raise the Pride Flag Twice Per Year

A left-wing politician believed that the municipality should raise the rainbow-colored flag outside the city hall during Pride. The proposal was well received, and soon the municipality will decide to raise the flag two days per year.

Johan Ek is active in the Left Party but submitted his citizens’ initiative as a private individual.

“In my Sandviken, equal value for everyone is a strong pillar. In my Sandviken, everyone is welcome,” he says to public television.

The proposal was so well received that the Sandviken municipal council will now vote to raise the rainbow flag two days per year – on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17, and on International Pride Day on June 28.

In the municipal executive committee, the Sweden Democrats (SD), Moderates (M), and Christian Democrats (KD) wanted the matter to be referred back, but after a vote it was sent forward with approval to the municipal council for a decision.

“We don’t want to raise organizational flags. But if, for example, it’s about flags in which the state is involved, that’s okay—like the EU, UN, or NATO,” says Jonas Klang, group leader for the Moderates in Sandviken municipality, to Arbetarbladet.

According to Maria Hagström, Green Party (MP) representative in the municipal council, raising the Pride flag isn’t radical but the least that can be done to show respect and support for LGBTQI+ people. She also argues that since the rights of the group are questioned in many places, the act of raising the flag feels especially urgent.

Differing Opinions

Ek now hopes that other municipalities will follow suit, but not everyone agrees about the significance of the initiative. On SVT Nyheter Gävleborg’s Facebook page, opinions are divided.

“That flag is getting as tiresome as the Palestinian flag,” writes one person, who has received by far the most likes.

“Politics should be neutral,” comments another.

“Hang them in the vulnerable areas. They could use a lot of love,” another individual suggests.