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Webster Vote Limits Flags on Town Property After Pride Flag Was Raised

The board adopted a policy that confines displays to the U.S. flag plus the New York State flag, narrowing what symbols the town will recognize on municipal property.

Overview

  • The Webster Town Board voted 3-2 at a Thursday night meeting to adopt a resolution restricting flags on town-owned property to the U.S. flag and the New York State flag, with the policy taking effect June 5.
  • The Pride flag that had been raised earlier in the week was scheduled for removal and was taken down Friday morning despite a small group of protesters who tried to stop officials.
  • Supervisor Alex Scialdone and Deputy Supervisor Nick Hunter opposed the measure and Scialdone said he will keep advocating for inclusion and recognition of LGBTQ+ residents.
  • Supporters at the hearing said flying the Pride flag signals welcome and visibility for LGBTQ+ neighbors, while opponents argued the flag was raised without full board approval and that town property should display only official government flags.
  • The dispute has drawn wider attention in Monroe County and could affect future local rules on symbolic displays, public trust in municipal procedure, and how other nearby towns handle Pride visibility.