Council raises the standard in show of support for inclusive community

Council will raise the Rainbow Pride flag on Saturday 24 June as a symbol of its support for inclusion and diversity within the Scenic Rim community.

Mayor Greg Christensen said flying the flag outside Council's Beaudesert administration building would help to raise the standard against intolerance and discrimination.

"The flag is an important symbol for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning people (LGBTIQ+) and raising it outside Council's offices is an outward sign of Council's support for inclusion and diversity within the Scenic Rim community," he said.

Mayor Christensen said he is personally proud of the Scenic Rim community's spirit of inclusion.

"Our community recognises that intolerance and discrimination have no place in modern society and these values of respect and inclusion are shared by Council," he said.

"By flying the Rainbow Pride flag, we affirm that all people, regardless of sexual identity, are entitled to live their lives with dignity and respect."

Mayor Christensen said he was concerned about the impact the recent rise in negative online commentary and vilification has had on members of the community who have been targeted by hurtful and hateful comments.

"I support the proper application of free speech in a democracy. I do not support the misuse of this liberty to intimidate and disparage people," he said.

"I am disappointed by the disrespectful dialogue that has emerged recently both physically and in online forums."

June is Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating and commemorating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTIQ+) members of the community.