Earlier this week, the City of Utica announced it will only raise national flags at its City Hall, foregoing flags for organizations or causes going forward. That includes the Pride flag.
In response, Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion is inviting Utica’s and all LGBTQ+ communities throughout Oneida County to join his city as it raises the Pride flag at Syracuse City Hall on June 1st.
Marion sees Utica’s cancellation of the flag-raising ceremony as hypocritical against its own citizens, since it raises flags in recognition of North Korea, Iran, and Russia. Utica had raised the Pride flag in past years, but cancelled it this year, citing the new policy.
June is celebrated as Pride Month by some communities and LGBTQ+ organizations. Syracuse-area group CNY Pride has plans for a festival and parade June 22nd.
