REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Display of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Flag During the Month of June 2019, and Annually Thereafter in the Month of June
Report
BACKGROUND
The Stonewall Riots in New York City on June 28, 1969, was a historic turning point that sparked the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement; LGBTQ pride celebrations have taken place every June in recognition of the Stonewall Riots.
On November 13, 2012, the City of Santa Clara adopted Ordinance No. 1899 (Attachment 1) to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to be free from all forms of arbitrary discrimination, including discrimination based on age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
In June 2017, the City of Santa Clara flew the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride flag for the first time in the City’s history. The LGBTQ Pride flag was flown over City Hall again the following year in June 2018.
On August 28, 2018, the City Council approved Council Policy 48 (Attachment 2) titled “Display of Flags,” which established guidelines for the exhibition of the United States of America flag, California State flag, City of Santa Clara flag, and the display of ceremonial flags at City facilities and at City Hall. Per Council Policy 48, the City Council may by resolution authorize the display of a ceremonial flag for a period of time that is reasonable or customary for the subject that is to be commemorated, but no longer than 30 continuous days.
On May 1, 2019, Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor issued a City proclamation proclaiming the month of June 2019, as LGBTQ Pride Month in the City of Santa Clara and encouraging the celebration of the progress made towards justice, equality, and full civic recognition for LGBTQ persons.
DISCUSSION
The LGBTQ Pride flag, also referred to as the Rainbow flag, is a symbol for LGBTQ pride and rights with the colors of the flag reflecting the diversity of the LGBTQ community.
In celebration of LGBTQ Pride month, the City Council would like to fly the LGBTQ Pride flag during the month of June 2019.
In accordance with Council Policy 48, it is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the display of the LGBTQ Pride ceremonial flag during the month of June 2019, and for any June thereafter until the resolution is rescinded, at various City locations to be determined by the City Manager, and at City Hall.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the display of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride flag during the month of June 2019, and annually thereafter in the month of June, unless and until the resolution is rescinded.
Staff
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Chief Operating Officer
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 1899
2. Council Policy 048 Display of Flags
3. Resolution to Authorize Display of LGBTQ Pride Flag