Fitchburg, Mass. Mayor Stephen DiNatale last week publicly expressed regret over flying a “nuclear family” flag for one week over the city’s Riverfront Park and participating in the flag’s raising ceremony.
“I regret that some of the members of the community felt that this event was unacceptable,” stated DiNatale, according to a Boston 25 News report. “At that time of my decision I did not understand the offensiveness of flying this flag to some members of our community.”
Reports Boston 25 News:
Stephen DiNatale first agreed to fly the flag on Wednesday, according to a post on his Facebook page. The mayor stated that the flag would fly for one week at Riverfront Park in the name of equality.
Many commenters on the Mayor’s post shared their disappointment in the decision, citing it as alienating act against members of the LGBTQ community.
“This post is in very poor taste Mayor DiNatale. We’re supposed to be building Fitchburg up to be a tolerant place that welcomes love and people of all kinds. This does the opposite and is tone-deaf at best and homophobic/transphobic at worst,” said one comment from Kim Pheymannicie. “Please reconsider your words and decision for a photo-op here and re-evaluate the motives behind the choice to be on the wrong side of this issue.”
On Friday, the mayor again took to Facebook; stating that he has been informed of the public’s concern.
“Neither the City nor I condone any group that would marginalize others. The City of Fitchburg has employed and continues to employ a diverse workforce, something to which I am very proud.”
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