ENFIELD, Conn. — Enfield Mayor Ken Nelson responded to concerns over the town’s new policy that no longer allows Pride flags to be displayed on town buildings and flagpoles.
The new policy was passed two weeks ago by the newly-elected Republican majority on the Town Council. It does not specifically mention Pride flags. Instead, it prohibits any flag besides the American flag, state flag, MIA/ POW flag, or the flags of the military branches from being displayed or flown on town-owned buildings and flagpoles.
“The government should stay neutral,” said Nelson when asked about the policy.
Council members voted 6-5 to pass the resolution. All but one of the council’s Republican members voted in favor of the policy.
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“We’re going back to basics; that way, there is no threat of a lawsuit,” Nelson explained. “The greatest flag on the planet is that flag right there [the American flag], and that is the most inclusive flag there is, and we respect that, and what’s great about that flag is if you disagree with me, you have a right to protest, to rally, or to leave the country."
Nelson responded to members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community who have raised concerns with the new policy because it repeals an earlier policy from 2022 that allowed Pride flags to be displayed at Town Hall during Pride Month in June.
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“The way they see it as targeting, I see it as it’s a discriminatory policy allowing one group and no other. How can you say that’s not discrimination? Enfield is all-inclusive 100%, and we support all groups,” said Nelson.
A rally against the new policy is planned for Monday night at Town Hall.
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“This flag policy is solely about the Pride flag, said Christina Tetrault of Enfield, who made a comment during the Town Council meeting where the new policy was passed. "How do we know this? Because it’s been the only flag that was hung on town property outside of the normal government flags. For the past two years, there have been zero negative incidents at the raising of this flag that would even suggest you needed to take immediate action on it."
“Certain council members that are speaking tonight as I drove here, they don’t have a Pride flag on their house, so I would say probably start with practicing what you’re trying to preach and put the flag up on your own property because everyone has a right to their opinion but the government should stay neutral,” said Nelson.
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Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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