Bozeman’s city commission meeting on Tuesday night turned into a heated debate as residents discussed the adoption of the Pride flag in defiance of a newly enacted state law. Although the flag issue was not officially on the agenda, the public comment period saw passionate arguments from both supporters and opponents. Mayor Terry Cunningham announced the commission would revisit the topic and potentially vote on it on July 15.
Community groups like Forward Montana, Queer Bozeman, and Gallatin Valley Sentinel rallied support by urging residents to attend the meeting. Queer Bozeman Chairman Jason Baide noted that the group had approached the commission in June, asking them to follow Missoula and Butte in supporting the Pride flag despite House Bill 819, which restricts politically charged symbols on government property.
Baide emphasized, “A Pride flag is a symbol that queer community is welcome here,” highlighting its significance beyond sexual orientation to include race and gender identity. Since 2022, the Pride flag flew at city hall until the new law’s implementation. Baide insists, “We’re asking them to fight against taking it down.”
The flag debate has polarized Bozeman’s city commission, with Commissioner Emma Bode expressing frustration over its removal from the agenda earlier this month. She underscored the importance of unity and voiced concern that the commission’s hesitation reflects a lack of understanding of the challenges facing Montana’s LGBTQ community. Bode stated, “We have a state Legislature and a federal government attacking this community by systematically removing their rights.”
During the meeting, supporters shared how the Pride flag made them feel accepted in Bozeman, while opponents argued it represented only a fraction of the city’s residents. Commissioner Douglas Fischer warned against adopting the Pride flag, fearing it could deepen divisions within the community. Fischer suggested, instead, focusing on more inclusive actions from the “Belonging in Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan.”
While Fischer proposed redesigning the city flag to reflect broader community values, Bode argued for the immediate significance of flying the Pride flag as a simple yet powerful act of support. She acknowledged the potential backlash but emphasized the pressing need to support a community under attack.
Republican lawmakers in Gallatin County, including Rep. Jedidiah Hinkle, remain opposed, arguing the flag wouldn’t unite the city. Hinkle stated, “To adopt an LGBT flag as a city flag is not only perverse but also very divisive.” Despite opposition, Baide and his supporters continue to advocate for the flag, pushing back against those who say they aren’t welcome in Bozeman.
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