THE FLAG of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community should fly high in Rugby to help combat prejudice and misunderstanding – so says a Rugby councillor.
At a meeting of Rugby Borough Council (RBC), Coun John Slinger called on the council’s leader to consider flying the flag of the GRT community above the Town Hall during June, which is GRT History Month.
He said: “I believe this is important as flags are a symbol that can and should inspire action.
“I’ve spoken to the GRT community in the Borough, who told me about the prejudice and misunderstanding that they sometimes experience. They told me that they support anything that can break down barriers.”
He said flying the flag would recognise the GRT community as integral to the Borough, encourage people to learn more about it, and symbolise the condemnation of racism and prejudice against it.
He added: “I firmly believe that Rugby is stronger when the different parts of our community understand and respect one another, and when we all call out and condemn racism and discrimination against the GRT community – which is sadly far too prevalent and in some cases tolerated in our society.”
Council Leader Coun Derek Poole said that RBC’s Equality and Diversity Steering Group would be formulating a strategy to engage all communities, including that of the GRT – but Coun Slinger urged him to use his executive powers to fly the GRT flag this month.
Coun Poole added: “I am immensely proud of the work of this Council to ensure that our services are accessible to all our communities, and that all our communities feel safe and supported.
“The month of June is Pride month, and we are proud to fly the Pride Flag in support of our LGBTQ+ communities. We fly this flag to assert out condemnation of prejudice against them – but the main reason is based upon the engagement with the LGBT+ communities and the subsequent Action Plan taken via the Steering Group in 2019.
“I look forward to the Steering Group continuing its work and bringing forward its proposed strategy for all Members’ consideration.”
