The City of Bayswater mayor has assured the city “celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways” after knocking back a proposal to fly the Pride flag outside the council’s administration building.
Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti’s casting vote meant a proposal to install a fifth flagpole — which could be changed depending on the event or purpose — was rejected at a council meeting earlier this month.
Councillors Assunta Meleca, Steven Ostaszewskyj, Josh Eveson and Michelle Sutherland also voted against the motion.
“I listened to the debate and wasn’t convinced investing in a flagpole to fly all sorts of flags was necessary,” Ms Piffaretti told PerthNow.
“We already support and promote a range of groups within our community and within our existing infrastructure.
“The city celebrates its LGBTQIA+ community in many ways, including hosting events not only during PrideFEST but throughout the year, and ensuring members of this community are represented on this city’s Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Group.”
Deputy Mayor Eli Petersen-Pik voted in support of the motion and said opposing the flag would send a message to the city’s LGBTQIA+ community that said “we do not care about you”.
“We can talk about inclusion and diversity as much as want in our plans and strategies but this is a great way to signal to all our communities in the City of Bayswater that we provide leadership,” he said.
The flagpole would have cost up to $11,000 to install.