HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Hamtramck, a Detroit-area community with a high population of Arab-Americans, has banned LGBTQ+ flags and other non-governmental flags from publicly owned flagpoles.

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The unanimous decision from the city council on Tuesday came after after a long meeting that raised questions about discrimination and religion. However, the move does not ban Pride flags all together, just on public property.

Businesses and residents are not prohibited from displaying a pride flag on their own property.

In addition, the council’s decision means the city will only display five flags: the American flag, the Michigan flag and one that represents the native countries of immigrant residents who reside in Hamtramck. According to the most recent census data, roughly 27,000 people live in Hamtramck. A significant amount of those residents are of Yemeni or Bangladeshi descent.

 

 

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Detroit City FC, Detroit’s professional soccer team, felt the need to weigh in on the Hamtramck City Council’s decision.  The team has been playing at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck since 2015.

“The decision by Hamtramck City Council to ban LGBTQ+ flags from being flown on city property is inexcusable,” said Detroit City FC in a statement. The team said they would continue flying Pride flags during marches and inside the stadium.