BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In 2023, the Battle Creek City Council passed a resolution that stated the city’s flagpoles “are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression of the public.”

“The City will not display a commemorative flag based on a request from a third party, nor will the City use its flagpoles to sponsor the expression of a third party,” the city stated. “At no time will the City of Battle Creek display flags supporting discrimination, prejudice, or religious movements.”

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However, the City Council is scheduled to vote on flying a gay Pride flag for the entire month of July at its May 20 meeting.

“The rainbow Pride Flag promotes a symbol of inclusion, not division, and sends a positive message to the young people in our community that says, irrespective of your sexual orientation, or your gender identity and expression, you are safe, valued, empowered, and supported by your peers and your community leaders,” the city council resolution states.

The resolution stated that the month of July has been traditionally celebrated as “2SLGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Battle Creek.” Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke said the Pride flag will fly in July because that’s when Battle Creek Pride holds its annual festival weekend, from July 17-20.