Rainbow flag briefly dubbed ‘offensive’

ROCKLEDGE — Jenifer Raymond’s rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag, has flown high above her home in the Ashwood Lakes subdivision for a couple of years.

But for a few days last week, she was concerned she may have to take it down.

An email that appeared to come from the homeowners association notified her landlord that the flag, a symbol dear to gays and lesbians, had generated complaints and been deemed “offensive” and “detrimental to the subdivision.”

“Allowing the flag to be flown is setting a precedence for other homeowners to fly other offensive flags,” the email to Raymond’s landlord states.

One offensive flag cited as an example was the Confederate flag.

But Wednesday, her landlord, Anthony Posada, said he was notified by the association that the email sent to him did not reflect orders from the board. One overzealous subcommittee member wanted the flag down.

“The HOA board has apologized for the incident and told Jenifer that there was never an issue with the flag,” Posada said.

Ashwood Lakes could have fined Posada $50 for the flag. But for the few days when he believed the association had an issue with the gay pride symbol, he told Raymond not to take it down.

“I support my tenant, Posada said. “Jenifer is a great tenant and a good person.”

Raymond said a board member arrived at her home Wednesday to give a personal apology.