A COUNCILLOR did not want the council to buy the Pride Flag saying 'are we going to fly the Jolly Roger on Talk Like a Pirate Day?'.
A rainbow flag is currently flying in Evesham to mark Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
However, town councillor Tim Haines attempted to stop the town from doing so, believing the flag to be a “divisive” symbol.
Worcestershire Pride organisers have condemned his views saying the flag represents everyone.
Cllr Haines said: “If we are to fly a flag it should be something that represents everyone.
“It is a political flag, we don’t fly political flags.
“We don’t fly the Labour flag on Labour Day.
“I’m a big supporter of Palestine but I don’t think we should fly the Palestinian flag as I understand a lot of people support Israel.
“Are we going to put the Jolly Roger flag up on Talk Like A Pirate Day?
“If we are to fly a flag it should be something that represents everyone.
“I don’t think it’s right I should put my viewpoint on others.”
READ MORE: Council flies Rainbow flag, just days before end of Pride Month
The decision to purchase the rainbow flag came at a town council meeting held in April.
Councillor Robert Raphael proposed they fly, and purchase if necessary, several flags for different occasions, including Armed Forces Day and the Patrons Saints Days.
However, councillor Haines put forward an amendment, stating the Pride Flag should not be included.
Cllr Haines said: “I feel the so-called Pride Flag is divisive.
“It is something a lot of people don’t agree with.
“The so-called Pride movement doesn’t know what it stands for, the gays hate the trans, the trans hate the TERFs. I can’t see how anybody can get behind that.
“You referred to it as the diversity flag, so it represents neurodivergent people as well? What does it represent?
“Seven voted against it (the amendment proposed) but five voted for it so I may be in the minority on this view but it is only a small minority.”
Cllr Raphael said he thinks it is important that Evesham Town Council is fully inclusive and celebrates "the rich diversity and culture of our town".
"It really is not a political thing at all - it's common sense."
READ AGAIN: Councillor faces backlash for transphobic comments towards murdered teen
Despite his objections, councillor Haines insists he is not homophobic.
“The reason I objected is not because I’m homophobic but because I don’t feel it is something that brings people together, it is divisive,” he added.
Mathew Skilbeck, organiser of Worcestershire Pride, is shocked by the councillor's comments.
He said: "I am utterly shocked that an elected official has said this, they are voted for by the community as a whole.
"The Pride Flag represents everything about the community, the struggles we have gone through over the years to get to where we are now.
"The inclusive flag represents everyone, including straight allies.
"It is a symbol of solidarity to bring everyone together."
*CORRECTION*
Please note the article previously quoted councillor Haines as saying "the trans hate the church".
This has now been changed after councillor Haines explained this was misheard and should have read "the trans hate the TERFs".
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