Muslim City Council prohibits LGBT ‘Pride’ flag on city premises.

The City Council of Hamtramck, Michigan Unanimously Votes to Ban LGBTQ Pride Flags

In a historic decision, the city council of Hamtramck, Michigan, the only U.S. locale with an all-Muslim governing body and mayor, voted unanimously on Tuesday night to ban the display of LGBTQ Pride flags on all city properties.

The resolution, introduced by Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Mohammed Hassan, aims to maintain the city’s commitment to neutrality by prohibiting the flying of any religious, ethnic, racial, political, or sexual orientation group flags on public properties. Only the American flag and flags representing the international character of the city will be allowed.

During a council meeting, Hassan addressed opponents of the proposal, stating, “You guys are the ones making problems. Please don’t threaten us. I’m the elected official, working for the people and what the majority of the people like.”

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib emphasized that the city serves everyone equally without discrimination but without favoritism. He pointed out that many LGBTQ individuals and supporters hold positions on the city’s boards and commissions, and he has never fired anyone based on their sexual orientation.

The controversy surrounding LGBTQ rights in Hamtramck dates back to 2008 when conservative Christians and the local Muslim community opposed a city ordinance that aimed to protect the LGBT community. The election of Mayor Ghalib in 2021 further intensified the debate, as he criticized his predecessor for flying the Pride flag outside city hall.

City Councilman Nayeem Choudhury echoed the sentiment of respecting religious rights while questioning the need for the Pride flag to be displayed on government property. He stated, “You guys are welcome. Why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? By making this about bigotry, it’s making it like you want to hate us.”

During the public comment session, a woman sarcastically suggested that Hamtramck should alter its slogan to say the city “welcomes you if you’re straight” and then proceeded to kiss another woman, highlighting the tension surrounding the issue.

Hassan Aoun, a Muslim community leader from Dearborn, Michigan, expressed his opposition to displaying the Pride flag on city property, stating, “Pride month, don’t put it down our throats. You can be gay by yourself. Do not put the Pride flag on city property.”

Last year, the city’s Human Relations Commission Chair Russ Gordon sparked controversy when he flew a Pride flag alongside flags of other nations. It remains uncertain whether he will continue to fly the flag in light of the new resolution.