HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Following the decision of a Detroit area community’s decision to ban LGBTQ+ flags and all other non-governmental flags from publicly owned flagpoles, the mayor has defended the choice after public response. 

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Hamtramck City Council’s six member chamber voted unanimously to prohibit flying flags pertaining to politics, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib released a statement over the weekend responding to criticism. 

“For those politicians who don’t understand the situation in Hamtramck but they released statements to criticize us for passing” the resolution, Ghalib said in a statement released Saturday afternoon, “you do not know our city more than we do, and you will not know the consequences of opening the door for every group to fly their flag on city properties. Our residents are all equally important to us, and we will continue to serve them equally without discrimination, favoritism or preferential treatment to any group. The city government will stay NEUTRAL and IMPARTIAL toward its residents.”

Some members of Michigan’s House of Representatives have tweeted in opposition to the city council’s decision. 

“From MI’s largest LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus to Hamtramck. Let’s move forward, not back in time,” Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) said in a tweet. 

Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) opted to use a picture to convey his thoughts. 

“Official statement from the LGBTQ+ Caucus on the Hamtramck Pride Flag Decision,” he said in a tweet with a picture of a pride flag waving in the background.  

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House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), whose region includes the city of Hamtramck has not commented publicly regarding the resolution. 

On the Senate side of the Legislature, Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) released a statement on the heels of the vote. 

“To Hamtramck LGBTQ+ community members and their families — please know that you have many allies throughout the city and state, and that includes me as your state senator,” Chang said. “You are loved, you are welcome, and you are valued. Hamtramck has had a long history of being a place of hope and opportunity for people of all backgrounds, including those who have come to our nation fleeing war and poverty.”

Some members opposing the decision are planning a protest at the Hamtramck City Hall for Saturday, June 24.