![confederate flag in gay pride colors confederate flag in gay pride colors](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/27/06/2A04A23500000578-0-image-a-6_1435381332715.jpg)
While some Heber City residents said it was unfortunate that LGBTQ students were bullied, they continued to call the pride banners inappropriate. “Would you truly want to trade your discomfort for theirs?” Belnap asked. Nationally, nearly one out of three LGBTQ youth has attempted suicide compared to 6.4% of heterosexual students, according to the department.īen Belnap asked at Tuesday’s meeting whether the temporary discomfort of seeing pride flags on Main Street for one month each year was worth the well-being of community members who, at times, “feel ashamed and worthless for being who they are.” He’s called a ‘f*g’ in the halls.”īullying, school problems and lack of social support are among the risk factors for youth suicide, according to the Utah Department of Health. I’ve seen the discomfort my son experiences every day, the slurs hurled at him every day.
![confederate flag in gay pride colors confederate flag in gay pride colors](http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/3/26/1395860562711/Rainbow-flag-014.jpg)
“I understand many people are uncomfortable seeing banners,” Ben Belnap said, adding that as a straight, white man, he understood the privilege of feeling comfortable. Numerous residents and organizations showed up to a meeting last month and urged the City Council to reconsider, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah and Utah Pride Center.īut Tuesday night, when the City Council unanimously voted to adopt the change, only one person came to speak against it - Ben Belnap. Events must be nonprofit and nonpolitical. Only Heber City, Wasatch County and Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce are allowed to sponsor events or messages for the banners.
![confederate flag in gay pride colors confederate flag in gay pride colors](https://cdn10.bigcommerce.com/s-1gqpad/products/825/images/1195/a20791b13eb8bcfd8abf48_m__54106.1404787062.1280.1280.jpg)
The pride flags flew again this summer in the city of about 16,000 people, sparking more complaints and prompting the City Council to consider an ordinance restricting what types of banners can be hung from city street posts.Īpart from state and federal holidays, the ordinance requires approval from the city manager for any banners proposed for city light posts, with appeals sent to the City Council for review. “Think of all the kids who don’t feel comfortable coming out and the message that sends.” “How upset a lot of residents are has been really discouraging,” Jamie Belnap said.