READING, Pa. — READING, Pa. (AP) - The mayor of the eastern Pennsylvania city of Reading called off a scheduled ceremony to raise the LGBTQ rainbow flag over City Hall for the first time, calling it a political symbol.
Acting Managing Director Osmer Deming said Mayor Wally Scott believes the "pride flag" represents a political movement and flying it is against city policy.
Calling on Mayor Scott to reconsider. Looking forward to attending @ReadingPride to affirm our administration’s strong support for LGBTQIA+ community in PA.🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 https://t.co/CDADC9OgNt
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) July 16, 2019
Council president Jeffrey Waltman Sr. said he found out just before arriving for the ceremony Monday evening and tried unsuccessfully to change the mayor's mind.
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The LGBT Center of Greater Reading blasted the decision, saying "what was supposed to be a proud and historical moment" became "blatant, unacceptable discrimination."
The Reading Eagle reports that a POW/MIA flag flies below the U.S. flag at City Hall and flags of other countries have been raised there.
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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/
Associated Press