Moray Council’s decision to limit the display of the Pride flag during June sparks disappointment among local representatives, who highlight the significance of fully celebrating Pride Month and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Moray Council Limits Duration of Pride Flag Display in June
Moray Council has decided not to fly the Pride flag for the entire month of June, sparking disappointment among some local representatives. The Pride flag, which commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969 and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, has been flown above the council headquarters in Elgin since 2016 during Pride Month.
Forres councillor Draeyk Van Der Horn, who identifies as LGBTQ+, expressed his disappointment with the decision. He emphasized the importance of raising the flag at the beginning of June to fully celebrate Pride Month and support the local LGBTQ+ community.
Due to the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Armed Forces Day on June 29, Moray Council will instead fly the Pride flag between these two commemorative dates. A council spokesperson cited limited flagpole space as a constraint, noting that 10 different standards are flown throughout the year, including the Saltire, Union Jack, and Ukrainian flag following the Russian invasion. Other significant flags include those for Armed Forces Day, Emergency Services Day, and International Human Rights Day.
The spokesperson reiterated the council’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, stating that the Pride flag will be displayed from June 10-28, aligning with World Pride Day on June 28, to balance the observance of other important national commemorations.
