04-03-2025
Watertown City Council to allow Pride, Irish flag raisings at City Hall
Mar. 3—WATERTOWN — Both the Pride flag and another one to celebrate St. Patrick's Day will be flying at City Hall.
By a 3-2 vote on Monday night, the City Council voted to honor separate requests that will allow the two flags to be raised during events in front of City Hall.
Two weeks ago, council members tabled a resolution that would have allowed an LGBTQ+ flag raising event in front of City Hall on June 21.
They delayed action until they received some legal advice from City Attorney Kristen Smith.
Councilman Robert O. Kimball thinks that flying the Pride flag will send a message.
"You are all welcomed to our community," he said.
In voting for the resolution, Councilwoman Lisa A. Ruggiero pointed out the flags will just be up in front of City Hall for 24 hours and that the events will last just 30 minutes to an hour.
Members of NNY Pride Inc. said the June 21 ceremony will serve as a visible symbol of inclusivity, diversity, and support for the LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing the city's commitment to equality and acceptance.
Councilman Cliff G. Olney II also supported it.
In voting against it, Mayor Sarah V.C. Pierce and Councilman Benjamin P. Shoen expressed concern that the events could become divisive in the community. Pierce had heard from residents who were against the idea.
She and Shoen also said that the American, state and city flags should be the ones that should be presented in front of City Hall.
Last month, former city resident Donnie Lee Barrigar, who espouses in the flat-Earth movement, sent a "cease and desist" letter to the city to prevent the LGBTQ+ flag event from happening.
On Feb. 3, council members agreed to reverse a decision from last year to ban those kinds of flags from flying in front of City Hall.
The Irish flag will be raised at 11 a.m. on March 16 at City Hall in recognition of Irish American Heritage Month. The Ancient Order of Hibernians had made the request.
