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Battle Creek commission approves flying Pride flag at City Hall in July
Summary
The Battle Creek City Commission voted to fly the Pride flag at City Hall from July 1–30, 2025 after a lengthy public comment period that included both supporters and opponents. The resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Morris with support from Commissioner Lance and Mayor Boehnke, passed despite several commissioners voicing opposition.
The Battle Creek City Commission voted to fly the Pride flag at City Hall from July 1 through July 30, 2025 after a motion by Commissioner Morris and support from Commissioner Lance and Mayor Boehnke.
The decision followed more than an hour of public comment Tuesday night as residents, faith leaders and local nonprofit representatives made arguments for and against the symbolic action. Supporters said flying the flag signals inclusion and safety for LGBTQ+ residents; opponents said municipal flagpoles should remain neutral.
“This isn’t just about raising a flag. It’s base level. It’s about raising voices for equality, visibility, and belonging,” said Dina Spencer, president of Battle Creek Pride, who told commissioners she has run Battle Creek Pride since 2011 and said the flag provides “visibility” and “peace” for community members who rely on city services. “Flying that flag gives us that visibility, gives us that peace knowing that we're safe in your care and in your government.”
Several long-time Battle Creek residents and nonprofit leaders also spoke in favor. Robert Elkhart, executive director of the SHARE Center, said the flag “promotes a symbol of inclusion, not division,” and that passing the resolution would send a positive message to young people about safety and community support. “It is a commitment to serving and supporting all members of our community,” he said.
Opponents framed their objections around the role of government. Ryan Leonard said he supported treating all residents with respect but argued municipal government should remain neutral on social movements: “When the city takes a side, it is no longer neutral,” he told the commission. Joe Harris urged commissioners to vote against flying any third‑party flags and to limit City Hall flags to the U.S., state and city flags.
Commission debate was brief. Vice Mayor Sofia said she has consistently voted against the flag ordinance and stated she would vote no on the resolution. Commissioner Simmons urged continued civic engagement by those who spoke whether or not the flag was flown. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell said he was open to conversation and concerned about division.
The resolution references the city’s revised flag policy and authorizes staff to fly the Pride flag at City Hall for the dates specified. After the vote the clerk announced, “Resolution 129 has been approved.”
Why it matters: Commissioners said the vote is symbolic but supporters said symbolism matters for visibility and safety, especially for LGBTQ+ youth and residents who rely on city services. Opponents said the city should avoid perceived endorsement of particular social movements and instead remain neutral.
What happened next: Supporters in the audience applauded quietly and several speakers offered to meet with dissenting commissioners for further conversation. Commissioner Simmons encouraged attendees to stay engaged with city processes beyond the flag vote.
