CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Buffalo Grove had what was called a “Pride Drive” on Sunday, and the next day, residents showed up at the village hall to protest the denial of a Pride flag.
About three dozen Buffalo Grove residents and others protested outside the village hall and inside with many of them, including some children, speaking in favor of an activist's effort to raise the Pride flag at the village hall. This 9-year-old said he's part of the LGBTQ community.
"I am hurt and confused," he said.
Others gave similar remarks.
"Raising this flag is a symbol to all members of the community that we are welcome and safe," a woman said.
Another person put it more bluntly.
"It would be embarrassing to be the last community in the area to fly the flag," he said.
Former board member Jeffrey Berman said the flagpole can't be opened up.
"Next week, it could be something much more sinister. A swastika," Berman said.
Village President Beverly Sussman said the flagpole is for the American flag, the Illinois flag and the village flag and said the village embraces diversity.