A new ordinance being proposed in Galesburg would limit what flags the city can fly on or over public buildings, vehicles or uniforms.
The proposed flag policy, which be discussed on first reading at Monday’s City Council meeting, comes after a spring and summer of debate on the appropriateness of flying special interest flags at Galesburg City Hall and other public locations.
The proposed ordinance would limit the flags that could fly in Galesburg to the following:
- the United States flag;
- the Illinois state flag;
- the flag bearing the City of Galesburg seal;
- the Prisoner of War (POW) flag;
- Service flags of the United States Military or official flags of government officials.
The policy has been requested by Mayor Galesburg Peter Schwartzman and some members of the City Council.
Ordinance language reads:
The City has identified the need to define the proper display of flags on City property to protect Free Speech rights by preventing viewpoint discrimination and ensuring equal application of the law to all without favor.
It is the intent of this policy to promote a positive message of unity within the City, avoiding political division, disparagement, or discrimination.
Schwartzman tells WGIL, “I support the new policy. This is what I have heard is the preference of the vast majority of our constituents.
The flag policy would be in full force and take effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
Two special interest flags have flown at City Hall this year — the Right to Life organizations’s Respect Life flag in October, and the Pride flag in June. In both instances, the decision on whether or not to fly the flags stirred debate among the public and the Council.
Ward 7 Alderman Steve Cheesman, an advocate for the city adopting a formal flag policy, said, “Yes, I support the proposed flag policy and do so wholeheartedly. As a government entity, we should only fly government flags. Flying any other flag is overstepping our bounds.”
Cheesman had voted to fly both the Pride and Respect Life flags earlier this summer, noting without a policy, “It is the fair and right thing to do.”
According to City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz, Galesburg has never had a flag policy.
Like Cheesman, Ward 1 Alderman Bradley Hix also voted to fly both the Pride and Respect Life flags, while also calling for the city to adopt a strict flag policy.
“I support the proposed flag policy,” Hix said. “We need to focus on issues that unite the community and move beyond issues that divide the community.”
Ward 5 Council member Heather Acerra, Ward 3 Alderman Evan Miller and Ward 2 Alderman Wayne Dennis also say they support the proposed ordinance.
Miller said, “I agree with the flag policy as it’s written. Other flags offend different groups of people, so we just say no to another flags. I voted against the Pride flag because of my religious beliefs. I’ve had a lot of people come up to me in public, thanking me for standing up for Christian beliefs.”
Ward 4 Alderman Dwight White declined comment, and Ward 6 Council member Sarah Davis could not be reached for comment.
