North Yarmouth Votes to Remove Pride Flag From Community Center

The pride flag displayed outside the North Yarmouth Community Center will be removed following a divided vote by town officials.

According to WGME, the flag had been flying at the community center since the beginning of June in recognition of Pride Month. Its future drew significant public interest during a meeting Tuesday night, when residents offered differing opinions about whether it should remain on town property.

Many of those who spoke urged the town to keep the flag in place, arguing that removing it could send a message that LGBTQ residents and visitors are not fully welcome in the community.

WGME reported that others said the flag should come down now that Pride Month has ended. Some residents also argued that the town should avoid displaying pride flags or other similar banners on municipal property unless it has a clear policy governing what can be flown.

After hearing public comments, the board voted 3-2 to remove the flag.

Town officials also indicated they plan to develop a formal flag policy that could guide future decisions involving banners and flags displayed on public property.

The policy could establish rules for which flags are allowed, how long they may remain on display and who has the authority to approve them.

For now, the pride flag will be taken down while the town works through those broader questions.