Today, the Pride Flag is flying at Surrey City Hall and a rainbow of colours illuminates the plaza outside as the city stands with the people of Orlando – and the LGBTQ community.
Last night, Surrey City Council unanimously approved a motion to fly the pride flag at city hall in solidarity, sympathy and support for members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and questioning) community, after the mass shooting in Florida.
“Under th
ese extraordinary and trying circumstances, Surrey stands with the people of Orlando and the rest of the civilized world in condemning this heinous act of hate and terror,” said Mayor Linda Hepner.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families and all who have been affected by this senseless tragedy.”
The motion was tabled by Coun. Vera Lefranc, who said the pride flag will be flown at Surrey City Hall until June 26, to coincide with the Surrey Pride Festival that day at Holland Park.
“Flying the Pride Flag is an act of solidarity in condemning this cold blooded attack. We will not be cowed by this extreme act of hate and violence,” said Lefranc.
In the past, Surrey City Hall has not flown a pride flag, with council in 2014 voting to keep an existing policy in place that meant allowing only the Canadian, British Columbian and City of Surrey flags on the flagpoles outside the new City Hall at Surrey Centre, and not community flags.
That year, organizers of Surrey's Pride Festival were invited to put a pride exhibit in the city hall foyer, which could include a flag.
This year, there will be a parade for the first time in Surrey's history. It starts at Surrey City Hall plaza, then continue along University Boulevard to Holland Park, hosting pride day festivities from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.