Des Plaines Adopts New Rules After Rainbow Flag Flown Over Library
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Des Plaines City Council has approved restrictions on what flags can fly over city buildings after Des Plaines Public Library flew a gay pride flag in response to the Orlando night club massacre.
The council voted 5-3 to require city council approval to fly any flag other than the U.S., state of Illinois, city of Des Plaines, or POW-MIA flag over municipal buildings or property.
Alderman Jim Brookman proposed the new rule, and said it had nothing to do with the pros and cons of the rainbow flag of the LGBT community.
"Had that come before us, I probably would have voted in favor of allowing that flag. I had assumed the flag was requested and flown because of the incident in Orlando, Florida," he said.
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It was. Library board president Greg Sarlo asked Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz to approve flying the rainbow flag as a show of solidarity after the worst mass shooting in U.S. history at a gay nightclub in Orlando, and the mayor was blunt at Tuesday's city council meeting.
"I think that it's a solution in search of a problem, when there isn't any," he said.
Alderman Mike Chaerwicz accused Brookman of micromanaging, and Sarlo said the city council had more important issues to deal with.
Brookman stood by the new rule, saying without some restrictions, there would be no limits on who could have a flag displayed on city property.
