ENFIELD, Conn. — Monday night, the Enfield Town Council passed a new flag policy in a six to five vote, nearly along party lines.
It prohibits any flags besides the U.S., Connecticut state and POW/MIA flags from being flown on town property.
While members in support said they’re just establishing a flag policy for the town, those against call this “disturbing and regressive.”
“They just don't want anything to do with gay pride,” said Councilor at Large Cindy Mangini.
Councilperson of 23 years, Mangini feels this new measure is targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
“To dismiss people's feelings and beliefs is wrong,” she said.
“I thought we had a good fight in it,” said Brandon Jewell, chapter lead of queer advocacy group PFLAG Enfield. “Unfortunately, we were let down.”
This new flag policy repeals previous resolutions, like the 2022 measure to display the rainbow flag at Enfield Town Hall for Pride Month in June.
“There's so much damage that has been done by this phone that I don't think my Republican counterparts are truly aware of how hurtful this was,” Mangini said.
Those opposed to the policy said even though this feels like a direct hit against the LGBTQ community, they’re concerned about what else this measure might mean.
“There is no clear direction,” explained Jewell. “There is no direction whether you're on town property, or you're inside of the building.”
Jewell and Mangini worry about other flags and displays like ones for holidays such as Juneteenth, or supporting other countries like Ukraine.
“As small as this issue may appear, it sounds small at all,” Mangini added. “This opens the door to what's next.”
The mayor and town councilors in favor of this policy did not respond to requests for an interview.
Enfield LGBTQ+ groups are now encouraging people to display Pride flags on their personal property and said they’re planning a rally during the next town council meeting on January 22.
Emma Wulfhorst is a political reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at ewulfhorst@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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