WATERMARK
Issue 5.16
Final Chapter of Flag Controversy?
The Orlando City Council approved new regulations restricting use of downtown flag posts.
ORLANDO - With the onset of July and Independence Day celebrations, the controversial rainbow-colored pride flags that had flown throughout downtown Orlando were replaced by American flags. Also replaced was the city's policy regarding hanging of banners. In action taken by the Orlando City Council on June 29, flags will fly only in conjunction with events "sponsored, hosted, or run by the city." What that means for the future will be watched by many groups, including the gay and lesbian community.
The decision by the Council to approve a proposal by the Downtown Development Board (DDB) overhauling the banner policy came in direct response to the controversy that sprang up when the pride flags were allowed to fly during the month of June. The previous banner policy had allowed any group or organization to fly flags in conjunction with a downtown event, as long as certain technical guidelines were met.
The new banner policy allows for the city to fly banners promoting its own festivals, parades, and other events — although events such as a Magic championship or a holiday parade could have banners if the council deems them as "officially hosted."
The City Council meeting, held at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, was less rancorous than the one at city hall. But those on both sides regarding the rainbow flags expressed opinions.
Local minister Coleman Pratt cited statistics from the National Weather Service, noting that Central Florida's extreme weather began at the beginning of June, when the Pride flags went up. "This proves God uses weather to bring man to his knees," Coleman stated.
Attorney Martha Chapman chastised the City Council for limiting use of the flag poles. "Your actions tonight are offensive and illegal limitations of commercial speech," she said.
Watermark business manager Carl Johnson said that the flags demonstrate how much hate still exists in our community. He challenged Mayor Glenda Hood to create a citywide event celebrating diversity within the community. Hood responded by urging members of the gay and lesbian community to become involved in such an initiative. And after the meeting, she told Johnson, "I know it's been difficult for all of you to listen to the things that have been said about you."
Employees of Watermark, working with the Heart of Florida Foundation, secured the DDB's approval to fly the flags to celebrate the June 27 Orlando Regional Pride Parade. Despite strong opposition from religious fundamentalists, the Orlando City Council supported the DDB's decision, and the flags flew during the entire month of June. While many were stolen, and about 25 were vandalized by teenager Brandon McGarity, the flags flew mostly without incident.
The question many are asking now? What will become of the 650 or so remaining flags? Most believe it is unlikely that the city will "sponsor, host, or run" a Gay Pride event in 1999.
The flags will be returned to Watermark offices sometime later this month. At present, Flag Project organizers hope to raise additional funds— for Orlando Regional Pride and other gay and lesbian non-profit organizations— by capitalizing on the tremendous interest from people in the community who wish to "own a piece of history." One idea being considered is selling the flags with a "commemorative attachment" indicating their significance. Funds raised would likely be disbursed through the Heart of Florida Foundation.
"The flags offer us an opportunity to endow Heart of Florida so that it can act as a United Way for the gay community," said Russ Crumley, executive director for the organization.
Watermark associate publisher Keith Peterson, who initiated the Flag Project, agreed. "Since the flags will likely not fly again in Orlando, we hope to use them in some way to do more good works in the local gay and lesbian community."
For more information regarding the flags, call (407)481- 2243, ext. 13.
