OCEANSIDE — The LGBTQ pride flag will fly at Oceanside City Hall throughout June after the City Council narrowly approved the move during a May 7 meeting.
The council voted 3-2 to fly the rainbow flag in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month. The flag will hang below the city flag on one of three existing poles outside City Hall, which currently display the American flag, California state flag, Oceanside flag and POW-MIA flag.
Mayor Esther Sanchez and Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce initially proposed purchasing a fourth flagpole for the pride flag, but dropped the idea after hearing public concerns about spending taxpayer money. The additional pole would have cost the city an estimated $17,000.
“Raising the pride flag is something our community members have been asking for for many, many years, and this comes at a time when it couldn’t be more important to do it,” Joyce said. “It’s an important statement for us to say we support, affirm and appreciate all the members in our community.”
Joyce said the decision comes amid rising fears within the LGBTQ community about discrimination and bigotry.
Many public speakers supported the move, including Roxanne Deatherage, director of Oceanside’s annual Pride by the Beach festival, who noted that while LGBTQ rights have been “under attack” across the nation, Oceanside stands out from them because of its inclusivity.
“This community has built a reputation that uplifts the LGBTQ people whether they live here or are just visiting,” she said. “To feel that is powerful, and it’s why people come to Pride by the Beach every year, and why raising the flag isn’t just a statement – it’s essential.”
While many voiced support, some residents opposed the action. Susan Custard said she was glad LGBTQ residents feel safe in Oceanside, but didn’t believe a separate flag was necessary.
“Why does the city need to represent peoples’ sexuality with a flag? This is a private matter, not a government matter,” she said.
A few attendees disrupted the meeting with jeers and coughing during the discussion.
Councilmember Rick Robinson, who voted against the motion, said the city should only fly flags that are already in place.
“I want to be clear: I do not support discrimination of any kind, which is why no religious, ethnic, religious, political or sexual orientation group flags should be flown on the city’s property,” Robinson said.
Councilmember Peter Weiss also voted no, citing the lack of a formal city flag policy.
Councilmember Jimmy Figueroa cast the deciding vote in favor.
“The reason I love Oceanside is our diversity,” Figueroa said. “Creating safe and inclusive spaces for all should be the goal of a public serving entity.”
City Attorney Steven Burke said staff will return to the council with a resolution to formally authorize the pride flag to fly next month.
