Support group hits back at flag opposition

AMillicent church has claimed it is wrong for Wattle Range Council to “promote alternative sexual lifestyles” by flying the gay pride/rainbow flag outside its council chambers each November.

The Millicent Baptist Church has called on the council to cease the practice which has been in place for a number of years.

By a majority vote, the council has acceded to the annual request from the organisers of Adelaide’s yearly Gay Pride Feast Arts Festival to fly the rainbow flag to coincide with this capital city event.

However, the Millicent Baptist Church has signalled its opposition in a letter from church secretary David Hallett which is listed for discussion at the first council meeting for 2023 this afternoon (Tuesday).

“It is our belief that Wattle Range Council should not be in the business of promoting alternative sexual lifestyles – no matter how marginalised it is thought these lifestyles are,” Mr Hallett wrote.

“Society is becoming heavily sexualised and there are different opinions about the promotion of non-heterosexual lifestyles as opposed to the acceptance of these lifestyles.

“A flag flown at an official government building sends a message which is different to the holding of street parades, festivals etc as these latter are considered being temporarily allowed by council rather than being permanently promoted.

“We are of the opinion that it is not the business of council to be flying non-government flags.”

According to Mr Hallett, the Millicent Baptist Church felt it was appropriate for Wattle Range Council to only fly the Australian, State, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

“Please kindly re-consider your decision in regard to this matter,” he said.

The Feast Festival organisers invite every council in South Australia to participate in flying the rainbow flag for the whole month of November to showcase their support for local LGBTQIA+ people, their families, and their community.