Rainbow flag stays aloft
April 14
SURF Coast Shire’s rainbow flag has been given a second life and will continue flying following a last-minute block against its removal.
A motion by Cr Heather Wellington — which included immediately removing the flag and undertaking extensive community consultation — had been passed in a controversial split 4:4 vote at Tuesday night’s meeting in Moriac.
However, in yet another twist to the saga that has divided opinion among the community and councillors, a notice of rescission lodged by Cr Rose Hodge at the end of the meeting saw the matter deferred to the next monthly sitting, on June 27.
Once there, Cr Wellington’s motion is likely to be overturned if the vote of councillors remains unchanged, with the in-support Cr Margot Smith absent from this week’s vote but set to return in June.
The move to take down the rainbow banner has drawn scathing criticism from the state’s Minister for Equality, Martin Foley, who expressed his disappointment in a letter to Mayor Brian McKiterick.
“When the flag was raised at your council, I watched your Councillors made aware of Cr Rose Hodge’s motion to raise the rainbow flag in support of marriage equality A motion by Cr Heather Wellington at the Shire’s May meeting, to remove the flag and undertake extensive community consultation on the issue, is passed following a 4:4 split in the chamber; Mayor Brian McKiterick uses his additional casting vote to push it through community celebrate, come together . . . and I was proud to see a regional council taking leadership,” Mr Foley said.
“To hear about the lastminute resolution that was not transparent and seemed to take political advantage is Surf Coast Shire’s April meeting sees a 5:3 vote in favour of flying the flag incredibly concerning, damaging and frankly a slap in the face to the local community.”
The flag had flown continuously over the council’s Torquay offices since it was raised for IDAHOT Day on May 17, with the aim to keep it in full Coinciding with IDAHOT Day, the rainbow flag is raised to fly continuously outside the council’s Torquay offices until the Federal Government formally recognises marriage equality The meeting concludes and Cr Hodge lodges a notice of rescission with CEO Keith Baillie, deferring the passed motion until the June meeting and leaving the flag to live another day view until the Federal Government formally accepts marriage equality.
Cr Hodge’s original motion was passed 5-3 at the April council meeting, where all councillors opposing the motion emphasised their sup- port for same-sex marriage but added they did not think the gesture was part of core local government business.
On Tuesday, Cr Wellington — who was absent at the previous meeting — said she had been labelled a “bigot and a homophobe” for her intention to reverse the decision and take down the flag.
In response, Cr Hodge described Cr Wellington’s motion as an “extremely opportunist moment” due to the absence of Cr Smith.
Cr Clive Goldsworthy, Cr Carol McGregor, Cr McKiterick and Cr Wellington voted to take down the flag, while Cr David Bell, Cr Libby Coker, Cr Martin Duke and Cr Hodge voted against the motion.
Cr McKiterick’s casting vote proved the difference.
Almost half of the 50 members in the gallery left after the vote, with calls of “shame on you” and “well done Surf Coast”.
Councillors also noted five petitions for and against flying the rainbow flag.
Amid qualms surrounding flag-flying protocols, Surf Coast chief executive Keith Baillie said that the three normally bare flagpoles to the west of the offices were designed to be “part of ceremonies and events”, being slightly taller than those flying a flag trio near the entrance to the building.
“Australian, Aboriginal and Surf Coast Shire flags fly on weekdays — flying of these flags is governed by protocols set by government,” Mr Baillie said.