POLL: Should Peace Flags Be Allowed in Downtown Natick?

NATICK, MA — After an online petition that has garnered more than 120 signatures, Natick's selectmen are debating whether or not to allow peace flags on lamp posts in the downtown area.

A discussion at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting grew heated while discussing the request to hang the peace flags, reports the MetroWest Daily News. Because of the presidential election, one selectman argued that behavior is counter to what the peace flag has demonstrated. Others chimed in with passionate responses, reports MetroWest Daily News.

The discussion on the issue will continue on Jan. 17.

The Common Street Spiritual Center leads an ongoing Rainbow Peace Flag Project, which aims to get peace flags flying over Natick, MetroWest and beyond. The campaign has already raised nearly $4,000.

In a petition on Change.org, the Project has gotten 128 signatures aimed at the Board of Selectmen to allow these flags to be flown along Natick's main streets.

"Many citizens of our town have been struggling as a result of the election," says the campaign page. "One of the most disturbing features of the presidential campaign was the explicit rhetoric of intolerance, hate, and blame that permeated the discussion. There is no doubt that many Americans feel ignored and that we need to address the complicated issues that have led to this state of affairs. But there is also no doubt that messages of racism, misogyny, and dishonesty that have been amplified will only further divide our country and our community. It is important for us as Natick residents, and in fact for residents of all of the surrounding communities, to understand that in Natick we will never relinquish our belief that all people are created equal and deserve respect regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation."

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