A Detroit-area community has banned LGBTQ+ flags from publicly owned flagpoles. The unanimous vote by the Hamtramck City Council came during a tense meeting that raised questions about discrimination, religion and the city’s reputation for welcoming newcomers. The council voted to display only certain flags, including the American flag and one that represents the native countries of immigrant residents. More than 40% of Hamtramck’s residents were born in other countries, especially Yemen and Bangladesh. Some members of the all-Muslim council said the pride flag clashes with the beliefs of some members of their faith. Residents and businesses are free to fly pride flags.
The only reason residents and businesses are free to fly the pride flags is because they can’t ban them. It is unconstitutional. Otherwise it would be banned too. That is part of a bigger problem around this area. Religious types are imposing their ideas on everyone else along with the immigrants from conservative countries. Detroit area has the largest Muslim population in the USA. In nearby Dearborn, you can actually hear the call to prayer broadcasted via loud speaker. All of this is to say, the local laws will never side with LGBT people as long as it’s like this.
