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Resident asks Butte-Silver Bow to remove rainbow flag from public display, alleges vandalism
Summary
A resident told the council she objects to a rainbow flag displayed in the public library window and asked officials to remove it; she also alleged her American flag was torn from her property and that her windshield was damaged.
BUTTE, Mont. — During the public-comment portion of the July 9 meeting, resident Carol Smith urged the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners to remove a rainbow flag displayed in a public library window and return to exclusive display of the U.S. flag.
"I came to ask you to rethink, resend your vote for the rainbow flag," Smith said. She told commissioners she had placed 13 American flags in handicapped-parking poles outside the library and cited portions of "flag etiquette," saying no other flag should be displayed in a place of superior prominence to the U.S. flag.
Smith said she had experienced vandalism since her last meeting appearance. "Someone ripped my United States flag off of my fence post, and now I have a broken windshield," she said. "Maybe I should fear for my life." She asked the council to "remove that flag out of any public place. Put it back in the closet, or let them display it at their own house."
No commissioner action was recorded in response to Smith's remarks. Her comments were made during the meeting's general public-comment period for items not on the agenda; any removal or policy change would require separate agenda action or direction from the commission.
