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Parsippany (Troy Hills) council votes 3-2 to draft Pride Month resolution, flag to be considered
Summary
The Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council voted 3-2 to draft a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month and to consider raising a pride flag at town hall after residents urged the action during public comment.
The Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council voted 3-2 on May 6 to draft a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month and to consider raising a pride flag at town hall.
The measure followed public comment urging the council to restore the town’s practice of flying the pride flag. Resident Corey Herbig told the council he moved his family to Parsippany for its diversity and urged the mayor and council to "fly the pride flag again at town hall and to issue a proclamation declaring June Pride Month." Betty White, identified as a resident and Garden State Equality board member, also spoke in favor, saying a visible gesture would send a welcoming message and help people who feel targeted.
The council opened the floor for discussion during the presentations and reports portion of the agenda. Councilman Hernandez moved to draft a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month; Councilman Kurifi seconded. In roll call votes, Hernandez, Neglia and Kurifi voted yes; Councilmen McGrath and Marcella voted no. Council President announced the motion passed 3–2. The motion authorized drafting a resolution for future council consideration; it did not adopt a formal proclamation on the spot nor order immediate flag installation.
Council members who spoke during discussion expressed differing views on the role of town hall in displaying flags. Councilman McGrath said town hall should be neutral on political matters and that the council had avoided endorsing national movements in recent years. Other members said the gesture was about inclusion and public safety rather than partisanship.
Mayor Barbario and other council members said the item would return for formal adoption as a resolution; staff said that step would include preparing the draft resolution and, if the council later approves it, the mechanics for display and any proclamation. No timeline for that follow-up vote was provided during the meeting.
The public comments and the council vote occurred during the regular agenda meeting; the council opened and closed a public comment period before returning to scheduled business.
