PEI

Montague rejects Pride flag again

Members of P.E.I.'s LGBTQ community left the Kings County town of Montague disappointed Monday night, as council voted down a request to review its decision not to fly the Pride flag.

'This town feels like it's 80 years ago somewhere, stuck in the middle of the woods'

Many businesses in Montague are flying Pride colours, despite council's decision not to. (Jessica Doria-Brown/CBC)

Members of P.E.I.'s LGBTQ community left the Kings County town of Montague disappointed Monday night, as council voted down a request to review its decision not to fly the Pride flag.

Montague CAO Andrew Daggett explained it is the town's policy not to fly any emblems or symbols in support of any group, because that would create conflict within the community, and that's not the job of council.

Council rejected Pride P.E.I.'s request to review the decision by a vote of 4-2.

'I just don't get it'

Jeffrey Haight, who grew up in Montague, expressed his disappointment.

"I'm just very disappointed as a human being in this country, in Canada, in 2016," said Jeffrey Haight.

"This town feels like it's 80 years ago somewhere, stuck in the middle of the woods. It's like they don't even have a TV to see what's going on in the world. I just don't get it. I just feel totally isolated."

When Dan Larter got up to speak at the council meeting, he draped the podium in a Pride flag. (Jessica Doria-Brown/CBC)

Dan Larter drove from Stratford to attend the meeting, and draped a Pride flag over the podium before he spoke.

"They were saying this is a symbol that shouldn't be put up, and it's a symbol of love," said Larter.

"It's not against anybody. It's all inclusive, and that's what the Island should be."

One resident of the community got up to applaud council's decision not to fly the Pride flag.

Daggett said the town has received many calls on the issue, from residents both for and against flying the flag. 

With files from Jessica Doria Brown