Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landmark Gilbert Baker Flag topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends landmarking Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag at Harvey Milk Plaza with full-mast amendment
Summary
The committee voted to send an ordinance to the full Board to landmark Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag installation at Harvey Milk Plaza. Sponsor Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann circulated an amendment to require the flag to fly at full mast 24/7; community supporters urged the designation during public comment.
The Land Use and Transportation Committee on July 29 voted to recommend an ordinance to landmark Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag installation at Harvey Milk Plaza and to send the amended ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, sponsor of the ordinance, framed the flag as political artwork and an international symbol of gay liberation. He noted the Historic Preservation Commission recommended landmark status and circulated an amendment to specify that the flag "shall fly at full mast 24 hours each day, 7 days a week," saying that language codifies Gilbert Baker's intent and the longstanding practice by the flag's stewards.
Speakers representing the Gilbert Baker Foundation, the Castro Community Benefit District and the Castro Merchants, among others, urged the committee to approve the landmark designation. Ralph Hibbs, representing the Gilbert Baker Foundation at the request of Charles (Charlie) Beal, read a statement citing petitions and international letters in support. Andrea Aiello, executive director of the Castro Community Benefit District, said the flag is a global symbol for LGBTQ+ rights and urged that it be flown year-round. Terri Aston Bennett, president of the Castro Merchants and the current steward of the flag, described safety concerns when changing the oversized flag, recounted Gilbert Baker's instruction that the flag should never fly at half-mast, and urged permanent protection.
Supervisor Dean Preston asked to be added as a co-sponsor. Chair Mirna Melgar moved to adopt the amendments as read into the record and send the amended ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded three ayes and the motion passed.
The ordinance will proceed to the Board of Supervisors (the clerk noted the item may be on the Board agenda on July 30). Supporters said the designation would protect an internationally recognized work of political art and ensure the flag remains a year-round public symbol.
