Journal & Topics Media Group

Rainbow Pride Flag Can Now Fly On Des Plaines Flagpoles


Despite the urgings of three local residents not to change the city of Des Plaines’ policy governing which flags can be flown on city flagpoles, aldermen Monday night agreed to include the Gay Rainbow Pride flag on its list of permissable emblems.

Newly-installed Mayor Andrew Goczkowski proposed amending the city’s policy regarding flags that can be placed on city flagpoles. In 2016, then Mayor Matt Bogusz gave the Des Plaines Library permission to fly the rainbow flag on its pole. His decision came prior to the establishment of a city policy on the matter. That action created a stir among some local residents who felt that aldermen, not the mayor, should have the authority to determine which flags can be mounted on city-owned poles. From there, a city policy was created allowing certain flags to be flown. The Rainbow flag was not on that list. Included on the list were flags of the U.S., state of Illinois, city of Des Plaines, POW/MIA, Firefighter Memorial Flag, Thin Blue Line Flag, and service flags of the five main military branches.

The Journal & Topics last week first reported that Goczkowski wanted the change to the city’s policy as a way of displaying inclusivity in the community. He also said the new city council that was elected on April 6 might have a different view on the matter than the previous council.

One local resident who spoke on the subject pressed the mayor for his reasons for the change. Another resident, John Maag, said, “I can’t believe the mayor had the audacity to make this his first action as mayor.” He said allowing the Rainbow Flag to be displayed on city poles will open the city to lawsuits from other organizations wanting the same thing, but were denied.

“This is a slap in the face of all Des Plaines residents,” said Maag.

Ald. Carla Brookman (5th), whose husband Jim initially objected to the manner in which the Rainbow flag was displayed in 2016, said the matter of which flags can fly was addressed five years ago over a four-month period. Jim Brookman previously served as 5th ward alderman for eight years.

“There’s been no issues with our flag policy,” Mrs. Brookman said on Monday. She added, “The flags we allow now are all inclusive and prevent an endless stream of council votes on which flags can fly.”

Ald. Malcolm Chester (6th) said while he likes the proposed change he has reservations about the flag policy stating, “Every group may want their flag up.”

Aldermen voted 6 to 2 to include the Rainbow Pride Flag in its list of allowable flags. Voting no were Brookman and Chester.

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2 responses to “Rainbow Pride Flag Can Now Fly On Des Plaines Flagpoles”

  1. Markski says:

    Now here comes the transgender flags, BLM flags, etc. You just opened a can of worms!!!

  2. gregjen says:

    “Newly installed Mayor” should not be hyphenated.

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