City of Bellingham Flag Policy

Bellingham Massachusetts flag policy provides for display of both the Pride Flag and the Juneteenth Flag

City of Bellingham Flag Policy (excerpt):

Flags displayed on City-owned property shall be displayed in accordance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, including but not limited to, United States Code (4 U.S.C. Ch. 1) Revised Code of Washington (RCW 35A.21.180, RCW 1.20:017, RCW 1.20.015)

The City Council adopts the following guidelines regarding the display of commemorative flags on City flagpoles:

  • As used in these guidelines, a “Commemorative Flag” shall mean a flag that identifies with a specific event, cause, theme, nation, or group of people that the City Council chooses to honor, recognize, or commemorate consistent with the City’s official policies, priorities and sentiments.
  • The Mayor may order raising of the PRIDE Commemorative Flag in support of the LGBTQ+ community, in celebration of PRIDE events, and as a statement to the public that discrimination, harassment and harm to LGBTQ+ individuals is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
  • The Mayor may order raising of the Juneteenth Commemorative Flag in honor of the City, State and Federal Juneteenth holiday. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. By raising the Juneteenth Flag and through other means, the City encourages employees and community members to learn more about this period in our history and commit to working for a society in which all people are truly free.