Attempt to revive Pride flag debate fizzles in Arlington Heights

Pride flag Photo credit Getty Images

By Rachel Pierson

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Arlington Heights leaders were asked this week to reconsider an earlier decision that prevents the display of the Pride flag at the village hall.

Meil Johnson, president of the League of Women Voters of Arlington Heights-Mount Prospect-Buffalo Grove, addressed the village board Monday night.

“We admire the village’s desire to sustain a welcoming community for all. The league, therefore, asks the board of trustees to amend the previously adopted flag ordinance to allow any flag displayed at the state capitol to fly proudly in our village,” Johnson said.

The current ordinance bans the rainbow-colored flags from flying at the village hall.

Trustee Nicolle Grasse introduced a 2021 proposal to amend the village’s flag ordinance and said she continues to hear from people in the community wanting the board to revisit the conversation.

“I would be open to a discussion on the amendment I offered as a restriction,” Grasse said. “Especially because not everyone from the board was present for the vote.”

Mayor Tom Hayes argued the issue was discussed carefully and thoroughly last year.

“There was insufficient support to revisit any proposed amendments or to have any further discussion on it,” Hayes said. “I mean, we could revisit all the ordinances that we pass, [but] once it’s been discussed thoroughly and there’s insufficient support to revisit it, then I think we ought to drop it.”