Missoula City Council recognizes pride flag as an official city flag after public hearing

The Missoula City Council voted 9–2 on June 2 to adopt a resolution recognizing the pride flag as an official flag of the city of Missoula.

The move came after public comment from students, teachers, school trustees and community members and amid passage this spring of House Bill 819, state legislation that limits which flags may be displayed in certain government buildings and public schools. Council sponsor Jennifer Savage said she pushed the resolution because she and other residents were asked to act quickly after the state law took effect.

"The pride flag symbolizes inclusion," Councilor Jennifer Savage said. "When a public school teacher flies it in his or her classroom, it says to the student that has already come out that they are welcome." Savage said the flag also signals safety to students exploring their gender or sexual identity.

City Attorney Ryan Sudbury told the…