WOODSTOCK – Politicians here have revised the municipal government policy on raising flags. But it’s not what you think.
Unlike neighbor Norwich Township – which drew national attention and faced backlash for banning non-government flagsparticularly Pride banners, on municipal policy – Woodstock’s mayor on Thursday night endorsed the LGBTQ symbols.
Until now, flag-raising approval or rejection was solely at the mayor’s discretion. While the mayor will still play a role, the updated policy language offers a more definitive framework for what’s acceptable and brings council into problematic decisions.
“This is now clearly dictated to make sure council has an opportunity, if there is ever a mayor in the future that may put up something that is questionable, at least now council can speak to that,” Acchione said. “We’re putting something in place that we’re being very clear, we will not put (up) any kind of discrimination or hate speech or anything like that.”
Added Coun. Bernia Wheaton: “It was certainly a high priority to see this policy looked at. . . it adds some additional clarity.”
Municipal staff noted in a statement that “in light of recent issues in other communities,” they wanted to overhaul the flag-raising rules “in a fair, consistent and inclusive manner.”
Mayor Acchione said that while the Norwich furor wasn’t directly responsible for the updated policy, he added: “Did it make us look at what we have here as a city? Yes, maybe we can say that.”
The policies are effective immediately.
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