A Pennsylvanian mayor is being accused of discrimination after he canceled a gay pride flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall building on Monday.
Reading Mayor Wally Scott (D) says while he supports “gay rights” he stopped the celebration because it represents a “political movement” and doesn’t believe the building should take part in promoting any one stance.
“People don’t realize how many people come here [city hall] looking to put flags up for movements,” Scott told WPVI-TV. “I’m just not part of that and I don’t think we should be.”
Despite the Democratic mayor’s reasoning, the LGBT Center of Greater Reading is calling the decision “blatant discrimination.”
“What was supposed to be a proud and historical moment in history today for the City of Reading, the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, turned into a show of blatant, unacceptable discrimination,” the group posted to Facebook. “We were told the administration doesn't support causes. Here's a bit of education: we are NOT a cause. We are human beings protected by an anti-discrimination ordinance in the City of Reading.”
The group complained their event was canceled moments before the start time, but that was only because Scott got wind of their intentions at that moment.
As WPVI-TV reports, the LGBT leaders say they plan to file a complaint with the city’s Human Relations Commission.
H/T: The Blaze