PERMISSION to fly two extra flags from Calderdale town halls will be sought next week.
The authority wants councillors to give their support or to reject flying the Rainbow Flag and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flag during the jubilee this year.
It comes after a request was made by Calderdale Pride to fly the Rainbow Flag on International Day Against Homophobia on May 17.
They hope it will raise awareness and help in promoting understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.
A similar request in October 2010 was declined for various reasons, from cost to it being seen as the setting of a precedent and tokenism.
Councillors will also consider flying the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flag continuously from the Town Hall, except on other official flag flying days.
Until now the days for hoisting national flags at town halls and other council buildings has been advised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
It includes flying the Union Flag on the birthdays of all senior members of the Royal Family – the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, their four children, Prince William and his wife.
The St George’s Flag can be flown on April 23 while flags on Remembrance Day, Coronation Day, Armed Forces week in June, Yorkshire Day and for the duration of the Poppy Appeal are all permitted.
The Calderdale report says there would be a cost in purchasing any additional flags which would have to be met from the existing budget.
It will be considered by councillors on Monday.
