Latest news with #PrideFlags
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
‘Harsh consequences': Petaluma man arrested for continued school threats over Pride flags
(KRON) — Police say a 45-year-old man is under arrest for allegedly making 'criminal threats' in several messages against a Petaluma City Schools District official in which he demanded the removal of Pride flags — saying 'harsh consequences' would follow if they weren't taken down. 2 teens arrested for throwing fireworks into crowd, yelling slurs at Redwood City Pride event The Petaluma Police Department says its officers took Josh Garzoli into custody just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday after a series of reported confrontations between the suspect and the District Administrator. Police released the following timeline of events: 'On May 30, 2025, Garzoli left a concerning voicemail with Petaluma City Schools Officials demanding the removal of the Pride flag from school grounds. Garzoli reportedly told a School District Official there would be 'harsh consequences' if the flag was not removed. On June 2, 2025, Garzoli arrived at the Petaluma Schools Administration Office. He was reported as being agitated and angry, demanding the removal of Pride flags, but left without further incident. On the morning of June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:18 AM, the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of criminal threats made toward a Petaluma City Schools District Official.' Investigators say that Garzoli then sent an 'alarming email' to the official in which he demanded the removal of the flags before the end of the school day on Thursday and said 'he would have the District Administrator 'executed' if the flags remained. 'The threat was considered specific, time sensitive, and caused safety concerns for school officials,' confirmed investigators. Petaluma PD says Garzoli was booked into custody on suspicion of violating 'California Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats,' which is a felony offense. Police say the suspect's bail was increased to $750,000. 'We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected,' say police. 'The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hawaiʻi is doing this for the first time in history. How you can see it
HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Monday, June 2, 2025, Hawaiʻi is marking a historic milestone as Pride flags are being flown at the State Capitol for the first time in history. Governor Josh Green, M.D. authorized the display which is raising eight flags along South Beretania Street, to commemorate Pride Month. The flags include the progressive Pride flag, which incorporates rainbow stripes representing people of color, transgender individuals, intersex individuals and those living with HIV/AIDS. Dean Hamer, co-director of the Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi Project, expressed his excitement. 'We are very excited that this year, for the first year ever, the Hawaiʻi state capital is going to be flying pride flags,' Hamer said. He emphasized the significance of this act, especially in the current climate where several states have restricted the display of Pride flags. 'It's especially exciting right now as we are witnessing this sort of regression where now 12 different states are trying to or already have restricted the flying of pride flags,' Hamer Wilson, co-director of the project, highlighted the importance of the Capitol as a symbol of governance and representation. 'Especially there. Right. Because, you know, in that building, that big, beautiful building on Beretania Street. Our lives and, you know, the issues that intersect with the lives of people across our communities are often on the agenda in that building,' Wilson remarked. He continued, 'So to see these flags as a symbol of, you know, the diversity of our communities that were seen and, in this case, in a respected way, in a place where decisions are being made by people, about our lives.' Michael Golojuch, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, praised the event as a culmination of years of advocacy. 'We were thrilled when Governor Josh Green granted permission to fly the Pride Flags for the month of June. It marks the first time in our state's history this honor has been bestowed in recognition of Pride Month,' explained Commissioner Golojuch. 'It all began with the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission's request for a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month, something that hasn't happened since the Abercrombie administration. From that first step, the momentum grew, leading to this year's historic Pride Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Governor himself.' The flag-raising ceremony was part of a broader initiative to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in Hawaiʻi. Earlier this year, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission hosted its inaugural Queer Day at the Capitol which brought together various advocacy groups to discuss key issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community. 'This moment highlights exactly why the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission exists. Our mission is, in part, to bridge the gap between the Māhū, LGBTQIA+ and QTPI+ communities and state government,' explained Commissioner Golojuch. 'It's a powerful culmination to a year of historic milestones, from the first Queer Day at the Capitol to the creation of a state-sponsored glossary focused on Māhū and LGBTQIA+ terminology.' The Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi Project continues to document and memorialize Hawaiʻi's long history of gender and sexual diversity. Through initiatives like the Hui Alo Lei PUA Ala collaboration with the Maui Public Art Corps, the project fosters intergenerational dialogue within the queer community. 'We're also quite excited about a partnership we've had with the Maui Public Art Corps called Hui Alo Lei PUA Ala,' said Wilson. 'And this is an effort, to interview and create intergenerational dialog between, people in the queer community, to share their stories and then invite creative performing artists to interpret those interviews in a beautiful pop-up performance.' Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 As Hawaiʻi celebrates this historic achievement, the raised Pride flags serve as a powerful symbol of visibility, respect, and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. In a time when many states are moving backward, Hawaiʻi stands as a beacon of progress and acceptance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Chatham-Kent councillor's pay suspension challenge now before judge
Rhonda Jubenville, New Blue Party of Ontario (Source: New Blue Party of Ontario) A legal challenge launched by Chatham-Kent councillor Rhonda Jubenville is now before a judge, with a virtual hearing underway this morning. The Ward 4 councillor is seeking a judicial review of council's decision to suspend her pay for 90 days — the maximum penalty allowed under Ontario's Municipal Act — after the municipality's integrity commissioner found she violated council's code of conduct. The controversy began in 2023, when Jubenville proposed a motion to limit flag raisings at municipal buildings to only national, provincial and municipal flags. She brought forward the motion after a local anti-abortion group's flag request was denied, while flags supporting Pride and other causes were permitted. Council voted the motion down. In the months that followed, the municipality received multiple complaints about Jubenville's social media activity. A report by Integrity Commissioner Mary Ellen Bench found that Jubenville used her position to bully and intimidate critics, violating rules around improper use of influence and discreditable conduct. Among the posts cited in the report: A Facebook post supporting Norwich Township's ban on Pride flags, with Jubenville writing: 'I wish CK Council felt the same… Good for Norwich! Makes sense to me.' A post alerting families that teachers in the Lambton Kent District School Board would be attending a workshop 'to prepare for Drag Queen Story Time,' which drew sharp criticism and concerns about misinformation. A post alleging a Pride flag was flown incorrectly beneath the Canadian flag at a local high school, calling the move disrespectful and encouraging residents to 'let Blenheim High School know your feelings.' A post referencing another group's 'healing event' related to the flag debate, in which Jubenville wrote: 'FYI… For the trauma I caused them 🙄. The irony is the stress I was caused by vile words and threats... over a motion that had nothing to do with them specifically.' The commissioner's report also noted that several municipal staff and members of the public felt intimidated by Jubenville's rhetoric and the actions of some of her supporters. One complainant cited concerns for personal safety, saying, 'My mental health is suffering worrying about what she is going to do next.' Jubenville's legal team argues that the investigation was procedurally unfair, particularly because the identities of the complainants were not disclosed. Her lawyer, Michael Alexander, maintains that the integrity commissioner's conclusions lack a solid factual basis and infringe on Jubenville's Charter right to free expression. A judge will now decide whether the case will proceed to a full judicial review.
The Independent
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Salt Lake City issues new Pride flag to get around Utah ban
The Salt Lake City Council has adopted three new Pride flags to circumvent Utah 's ban on flying such flags at public schools, universities and government buildings. Council members approved the measure via ordinance during a formal meeting on Tuesday. The three new city flags include: The Sego Celebration Flag, representing Juneteenth, the Sego Belonging Flag, representing LGBT+ residents and the Sego Visibility Flag, representing transgender rights. The sego lily, the city's most recognized emblem, is in the upper corner of the designs. The flags were chosen because versions of them had already been displayed at City Hall. They'll fly alongside the Utah and American flags. 'Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City's values,' said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, a Democrat. 'I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity and inclusion—leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.' Earlier this year, Utah state lawmakers passed House Bill 77, legislation that narrowed the types of flags that can be displayed on government property, leading the council members to adopt the proposal. 'Like other civic symbols, these flags reflect our shared humanity and the values that help everyone feel they belong—no matter their background, orientation or beliefs,' said Salt Lake City Council Chair Chris Wharton. 'While the state has restricted which flags public buildings can fly, I'm glad we can still uphold our community's values within the law.' In a statement on House Bill 77's passage, the American Civil Liberties Union said in opposition: 'This isn't about flags but about othering and erasing LGBTQ+ people from public life... Today, it's Pride flags. Tomorrow, it very well could be broader restrictions on speech, education, or expression for even more Utahns.' The state law was expected to go into effect Wednesday. If violated, officials can impose a $500 fine per day on state or local government buildings that fly unauthorized banners. Authorized flags include the state flag and military flag. There is a short list of exceptions.
New York Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Salt Lake City and Boise Adopt Official Pride Flags in Response to State Laws
'The City of Boise will continue to fly the flags on City Hall Plaza that represent our community and speak to our values of caring for people and welcoming all,' Lauren McLean, Boise's mayor, said in a statement before the resolution was adopted. The Utah legislature passed a law in March banning the display of flags that are not explicitly approved at public schools and government buildings. (Flags allowed under the state law include the American flag, the state flag, city flags, flags of other countries or states, and college and military flags.) Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah, a Republican, allowed the measure to become law without his signature, saying that he was concerned it was too sweeping but that he recognized a veto would be overridden. The law did not explicitly mention L.G.B.T.Q. or Pride flags, but sponsors of the bill indicated that barring such flags was a major part of their motivation. Earlier this year, Idaho also banned displaying unofficial flags at government buildings. Mayor Erin Mendenhall of Salt Lake City, a Democrat, said in a statement that the new flags promoted unity. 'I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity and inclusion,' she said, 'leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.' In response to Salt Lake City's action on Tuesday, the Utah House speaker, Mike Schultz, a Republican, said in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune: 'Salt Lake City's move to bypass state law is a clear waste of time and taxpayer resources.'
