Boonton town officials voted this week to change a controversial ordinance authorizing the display of flags on municipal property. This
revised ordinance now prohibits the Pride flag from being flown outside Boonton Town Hall.
Only the American flag and POW flag can be flown outside Boonton Town Hall. The ordinance no longer allows flags associated with federal proclamations.
Some town residents are not happy about this and are taking action. A group of people is attempting to cover as much sidewalk as possible with Pride symbolism to support the LGBTQ+ community in a movement being called Rainbow Main Street.
Vicki Somers says she’s not happy with the decision and has added color to the community with chalk to leave reminders for people everywhere they step.
“Chalk is very temporary; our safe spaces are temporary. The chalk here gives everybody the opportunity to interact with it. whether you are going to step around it or step over it. But you are going to be confronted with it,” Somers said. "We're simply asking to hang our Pride flag below the American flag and POW flag for the month of June for Pride Month."
Town officials say the updated town code will now clarify the policy and procedures to avoid the potential for unintended consequences.
Watch below as the community reacts to the ordinance: