(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) A Muslim-majority city in Eastern Michigan banned the display of rainbow “Pride” flags in public spaces after a city council meeting on Wednesday.
According to PJ Media, Hamtramck, Michigan, is famously known as “one of the most diverse cities in America,” and was the first city in the U.S. to inaugurate an all-Muslim government. The slogan of the city is “the world in two square miles.”
The ban came as a surprise to many, despite the clash between the Muslim faith and homosexual agenda.
“We serve everybody equally with no discrimination but without favoritism,” said Mayor Amer Ghalib. He also expressed doubt that anyone in the bill’s opposition had actually read the document.
Government buildings in Hamtramck may now only fly five flags, including the American flag, the Michigan flag and flags representing the country of origin for the immigrant population.
City Councilor Mohammed Hassan introduced the measure to prevent other “radical or racist groups,” such as Black Lives Matter, from requesting government officials also display their flag.
The bill prohibited government or city buildings including libraries, parks, City Hall and public schools in Hamtramck from displaying pride flags, along with other religious, ethnic and political flags.
Gay protestors kicked up a fuss about the ban—despite private citizens ability to display the flag outside of personal homes and privately owned businesses—and claimed that this measure was a direct attack against the LGBT community.
“For Hamtramck to attempt to equate the LGBTQ Pride flag with hate symbols, when it is a symbol of progress and love, is now a local attack on our community,” one opposing individual said.
In response to the backlash, council member Nayeem Choudhury pointed out that gay people in the area have done a very good job making themselves heard.
“Why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented?” Choudhury asked. “You’re already represented. We already know who you are.”
The city counselors received push back from Detroit lawmakers as well.
