Pride flags, a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, have been banned from city buildings in Huntington Beach, California. According to NBC News, this decision comes after more than 58% of voters cast their ballots in favor of Measure B, which prohibits cultural flags like those representing Pride, breast cancer awareness, and religious affiliations. Exceptions to this ban include city, county, state, and American flags, as well as commemorative banners for POW-MIAs or the Olympics. However, any other flag will now require a unanimous vote by the City Council for display. Critics of Measure B argue that it fosters discrimination and removes crucial support for marginalized communities. Peg Coley, executive director of the LGBTQ Center Orange County, also condemned the decision, blaming the “hateful majority” of the City Council. Meanwhile, GLAAD labeled the ballot "extreme," for perpetuating division and exclusion. This decision comes amidst a concerning rise in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in Orange County, with a staggering 126% increase reported in 2022 compared to the previous year. However, this is not an isolated incident. Michigan’s Hamtramck and Connecticut’s Enfield city councils recently banned Pride flags from public buildings. Such bans have been implemented in conservative school boards since 2020, including Utah and Oregon districts banning Pride and Black Lives Matter flags. In Iowa, last year, a bisexual teacher faced suspension for displaying a rainbow flag during a presentation. #Queer Up Politics