Photo: Ludovic Bertron
By Zendelle Bouchard
The city of Sanford will fly the rainbow pride flag at Gateway Park for the month of June, after the City Council approved a compromise measure by a vote of 6-1.
The original request, made by Councilor Ayn Hanselmann, was to fly the pride flag at City Hall as has been done for the past few years. When the Council discussed the issue at its May 5 meeting, Mayor Becky Brink noted that she received more emails in favor of flying the flag for Pride Month than she ever had before.
Before the Council began its discussion, several members of the public weighed in with their thoughts. Rebecca Andrews of Springvale, who described herself as an ally, said flying a flag to show support for the LGBTQ+ community “is the bare minimum” we can do.
Sanford resident Alex Clary told the Council that flying the pride flag has a positive impact on lives, as community affirmation reduces the rate of suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. “Before you consider it’s just a political opinion, there is an effect, and there is a cost…you are going to have less people kill themselves,” he said.
Reneé Morin noted that the trans community has experience increased numbers of attacks over the past few years, and said city government taking a stand in support of civil rights of all, including queer residents, sends an important message.
Chris Farwell reminded Councilors that they were elected to serve and represent all citizens of Sanford and Springvale. He said flying a flag to represent LGBTQ+ residents of the city is no different than displaying the nativity scene in Central Park at Christmas to represent Sanford’s Christian community.
When it was time for the Council to speak, Hanselmann said she made the request to fly the flag at city hall because it is important for the city to signal that it is inclusive and welcoming and celebrates diversity.
Councilor Jonathan Martell, who has consistently opposed flying the pride flag each year, called it “offensive” and “political” and said it goes against recent federal guidelines.
In an emotional statement, Councilor Cheeny Plante, said she stressed over and wrestled with the issue the entire weekend. “I am a member of the community. I grew up in the closet. I served during Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I know how it feels,” she said. “I think it’s great that we have Pride Month, I love that everybody flies a flag and shows us support, because I grew up not having that for two-thirds of my life, so I love that we do it as a community, and I love that we all come together for the month of June.” However, she added that in her opinion government buildings should remain neutral. “I think we should fly the flag throughout the city,” just not on City Hall, she concluded.
Councilor Nate Hitchcock said he also struggled with the issue. While government should be trying its best not to be divisive, he said, he was leaning in favor of flying the pride flag to show solidarity.
Councilor Pete Tranchemontagne described himself as a strong supporter of the gay community but agreed with Plante that the rainbow flag should not be flown on government property.
The discussion then turned to suggestions for alternative locations to fly the pride flag. Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy said she would love to see the flag flown at City Hall and thought there were enough votes for approval. But, she concluded, she would rather more members of the Council be united on the issue, so was willing to compromise on Gateway Park as an alternative and beautiful location. Plante and Tranchemontagne agreed, and the Council voted 6-1 to have the flag there, with Martell maintaining his opposition.
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