Controversy has arisen in Newcastle where the City Council, on a 4-3 vote, chose not to raise the Pride flag at City Hall for Pride Month in June. Mayor Robert Clark, part of the majority vote, defended his stance by adhering to a principle he established upon his election – the avoidance of proclamations. "If we say you have to support this because we proclaimed it, but certain people in the community say no, then we are dis-servicing a portion of the community," he said, as reported by KING 5 News.
In a statement obtained by KIRO 7 News, Carbonneau, who did not provide a first name, offered a soft note amidst the discord, "We accept you. We love you for just the way you are," while addressing the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the council's decision, Carbonneau suggests that the sentiment of elected leaders does not necessarily reflect the feelings of the broader community.
However, critics argue that Mayor Clark's comparisons are inappropriate and harmful. Corrinalyn Guyette, President of Eastside Pride PNW, expressed outrage over the mayor's remarks comparing the Pride flag to entities such as Hamas, suggesting it's a clear misrepresentation. Mayor Clark's debate evoking images ranging from a MAGA to an Antifa flag set off alarms for Guyette, who told KOMO News, "This is a moment to educate. This is a moment to pull together as a community. And hopefully, get that mayor to reconsider and raise the flag."
