WATERMARK
Issue 5.11
FLAGS TO FLY OVER ORLANDO
Despite the efforts of Televangelist John Butler Book, rainbow flags are set to fly over downtown Orlando during June.
ORLANDO-Plans to fly rainbow flags from 375 light posts throughout downtown Orlando during the month of June have stirred unexpected controversy.
Most Orlando citizens, gay and staight, were surprised on Saturday, May 16, when Channel 9 reporter Charles Jones interviewed conservative televangelist John Butler Book about his plans to stop what has come to be known as the "Flag Project." In the days that followed, local television and radio stations, as well as the Orlando Sentinel further reported the story. People were interviewed on the street (most were supportive of the flags), callers railed at talk show Djs, and Book and Flag Project organizers were interviewed several times.
Book, who lives in Maitland, was clearly the instigator of the controversy. A well-known figure in Central Florida, Book was asked to step down from his position as an Orange County Sheriff's Office chaplain after he objected to Sheriff Kevin Beary allowing a patrol car and gay deputy to be part of the annual Gay Pride Parade. He has decried the Flag Project, claiming that is a subversive political move in support of the 'gay agenda.'
The Flag Project was originated by Watermark Media, Inc., which is also overseeing its completion. Watermark staff, along with the assistance of others, solicited donations for the project, and support among members of the local gay and lesbian community has been enthusiastic. Ultimately, the Flag Project will cost close to $15,000; about half for creation of 750 rainbow flags, and half for their installation on the light poles. According to Watermark's Keith Peterson, all but about $1,000 of that money has been collected, most in the form of $50, donations to "sponsor" an individual.
According to Peterson, the city will install the flags beginning June 1, and they will remain up until June 30. Most of the flags will appear on Rosalind St., Orange Ave., and Huey Avenue.
Book plans to attend a scheduled city council meeting on June 1 to ask city government to overturn the city's Downtown Development Board's decision to allow the rainbow flags to be installed. Reportedly, Mayor Glenda Hood's office has sent a memo to all city council members stating that the Flag Project has met all necessary criteria and that the DDV's decision should not be overruled.
City officials— and Flag Project organizers— have been careful to point out that the flags do not indicate Orlando city support for gay pride. The city merely allowed the Flag Project to take advantage of city policies regarding use of light poles to display flags. City officials have indicated that those policies will likely change after this year, limiting use of the flag poles to city-sponsored events and promotions.
Peterson, who spearheaded the Flag Project, says, "At this point, there is no issue.We followed procedure and met the criteria, and the flags are going to fly. [The city commision meeting] is simply a chance for people who oppose the project to voice their opinions."
Meanwhile, Peterson does not intend to mount a counter-protest to Book at the upcoming city council meeting. "The project is a go," he said, "and Book's mind is not going to be changed. His hatred of all things gay is well-documented."
Book has encouraged his supporters— including an organization called "Concerned Women for America"— to show up at the city council meeting wearing black armbands. He has not explained the symbolism. On Monday, May 25, Book told Channel 9 of his idea to make July "Straight Pride Month," with a flag featuring a white background, the gay pride flag in the middle, and the international sign for 'no' (a red circle with a red slash through it) over the pride flag.
Those who wish to support the Flag Project financially may call (407) 481-2243, ext. 11. Any left over monies will be forwared to Orlando Regional Pride, the producers of Orlando's annual Pride Parade.
