WilCo Nixes Plans To Fly Gay Pride, POW/MIA Flags (Updated)

UPDATE: In a unanimous vote, Williamson County Commissioners Court members have decided neither gay pride flags or those honoring prisoners of war or service members missing in action will not be flown outside government buildings, according to reports.

The decision was handed down after justices of the peace made the request earlier. One justice of the peace had hoped to have gay pride flags raised up the flag pole to indicate the ideals of inclusion, her request coming in the midst of Gay Pride month and ahead of the 50th anniversary of the seminal Stonewall riots.

In declining the requests to fly commemorative flags, commissioners in this largely conservative region opted instead to vote on devising a flag policy that allows only three flags — the U.S., Texas and county ones — to be raised up flagpoles outside of county buildings.

The move comes as the gay community is poised for a remembrance of the Stonewall riots 50 years ago. The series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay community against an early morning police raid at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, had a galvanizing effect — ushering in the gay liberation movement and giving rise to the fight for LGBT rights in the U.S.

In gaining input of residents over the raising of commemorative flags outside county buildings, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell put the matter to a poll among residents via social media. Less than half (47 percent) approved the flying of specialized flags ahead of the commissioners' formal vote.

From earlier:

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — A flap has emerged in Williamson County over which flags should be flown outside county buildings after requests were made to fly banners commemorating gay pride and honoring POW/MIA military personnel.

A pair of justices of the peace in Taylor and Round Rock asked for permission to add the flags to the mix on outdoor flag poles, setting the stage for a decision by county commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. The county's Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Stacy Hackenberg wants an LGBTQ pride flag while counterpart KT Musselman asked to fly one honoring American prisoners of war or those missing in action.

The requests were simple enough to make, but have reportedly unfurled an onslaught of controversy. Hackenberg cites the idea of embracing the often-marginalized members of the LGBTQ community as a reason for her request. She noted members of the segment often experience depression as a result of backlash to their lifestyles.

Of the two flag requests, Hackenberg's has proved to be the most controversial in this largely conservative part of the county.

County Judge Bill Gravell put the issue of raising a gay flag a poll, asking residents to weigh in on Facebook. At last check, 47 percent were in favor of the measure and 53 percent were against.

The commissioners court meets on Tuesdays starting at 9:30 am. at 710 Main St. in Georgetown.