Council will fly the flag for Pride
Local authority supports the LGBT community
A rainbow flag will now be flown at Renfrewshire House every year in celebration of the LGBT community.
The decision was made at the full council after a motion from Councillor Derek Bibby received cross-party support, which will see the colours flown from 2019 onwards.
The motion states: “The council recognises and fully supports the work of the LGBT community in promoting the rights and needs of LGBT people, and its pursuance of inclusion and equality.
“In celebration of this work the council agrees to fly the Pride Rainbow Flag outside Renfrewshire House on a date in 2019, and thereafter annually, and will consult with the local LGBT community on how best to mark this occasion.”
The Labour elected member admitted he “thought long and hard” about using the term “celebrate” because of the struggle and persecution members of the LGBT community had suffered.
However, he came to the conclusion that it was appropriate in acknowledgement of everything the community has done for inclusion and equality.
Councillor Bibby, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, said: “I do think the term ‘celebrate’ is appropriate in acknowledgement of the hard work of the LGBT community.
“It’s great we have the local LGBT+ Renfrewshire group and we should actively support the LGBT community.
“It’s a statement that Renfrewshire stands with our LGBT community in the fight for equality and the fight against homophobia.”
Houston, Crosslee and Linwood councillor Alison Dowling, who seconded the motion, said: “Symbols of equality and inclusion matter, especially in relation to a community who have suffered state sanctions in the past.”
Independent councillor Andy Doig offered a “positive amendment” to the motion.
It asked council officers to update elected members on its Time for Inclusive Education campaign, which aims to help support LGBT young people in the school environment.
The amendment said: “Council notes our decision on September 29, 2016, to support the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, which provides educational material to support LGBT young people in the school environment and to combat homophobia.
“And calls on council officers to provide a progress report on the TIE campaign in Renfrewshire for the next full council meeting on December 2018.”
Provost Lorraine Cameron said she would “personally take responsibility” to consult with other local authorities who mark Pride annually, as Renfrewshire Council looks to follow their lead.