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Woodinville council adopts Pride Month proclamation, raises Pride flag after heated debate
Summary
The Woodinville City Council voted 6-1 on June 3, 2025, to adopt a Pride Month proclamation and raise a Pride flag at City Hall after public testimony and a debate over whether flying a group flag on government property undermines institutional neutrality.
The Woodinville City Council voted 6-1 on June 3 to adopt a 2025 Pride Month proclamation and briefly recess to raise an updated Pride flag at City Hall, following public testimony and a contentious discussion among councilmembers.
Supporters and members of the public urged the council to pair symbolism with stronger policies. Brandon Finley, a Woodinville resident, told the council, “raising the pride flag alone cannot fulfill our city's obligation to promote inclusivity and support,” and urged year-round policy commitments. Heidi Schabel, a local pride organizer, said the flag symbolizes resilience but that “symbolism alone is not enough” and called for strengthened nondiscrimination protections and inclusive public spaces.
Opponents argued the flag could be seen as government endorsement of a particular viewpoint. Councilmember Taylor said City Hall "must remain impartial and focused on serving the public as a whole," arguing that the American and state flags are the appropriate flags to fly over government buildings. Supporters countered that acknowledging the local LGBTQ+ community addresses long-standing exclusion and harm and does not preclude supporting other groups.
Mayor Melman referenced state and federal milestones in civil-rights law and said the city "remains committed to delivering inclusive and responsive services to all members of the community and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or any behavior that creates fear, isolation or intimidation." Councilmember Bess Campbell moved that the mayor sign the proclamation; the motion passed on a roll call vote, 6-1 (Taylor opposed).
After the vote the council recessed briefly and raised the donated updated Pride flag in the courtyard. The council then returned to the chamber and continued the meeting. No further formal action on nondiscrimination ordinances or other policy measures was taken at the June 3 meeting; several speakers and councilmembers said they expect follow-up discussion on policy steps in later meetings.
