The Homewood Village board approved the resolution to display only government flags on the village’s flagpoles at the May 26 meeting.

According to Homewood Village Manager Napoleon Haney, the policy was created after the village received multiple requests in recent years to fly various commemorative and celebratory flags on public property.

In 2019, the Homewood Business Association sponsored Pride flags that were installed throughout downtown Homewood. The flags were displayed for about a month and were tied to a Pride event held in Martin Square and sponsored by Lighthouse LGBTQ, a nonprofit organization supporting LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, Haney said. 

Additional requests for other commemorative flags followed in the years after, he said. 

Many residents have advocated for Pride flags to be displayed again during Pride Month. Several residents gathered at village hall May 9 to discuss the matter with Mayor Rich Hofeld and Haney and presented a petition with about 380 signatures. Village officials stood by the policy despite residents’ requests. 

The policy is intended to maintain government neutrality and protect the village from potential legal issues tied to the use of public property for private expression, Haney said. 

According to village officials, municipalities can avoid endorsing specific viewpoints by restricting public property, including flagpoles, to official governmental functions rather than creating a public forum for private speech, he said. 

Homewood’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion was emphasized, describing the village as a welcoming community that encourages residents to celebrate their cultures, identities and traditions through their constitutional rights, Haney said. 

While the village supports diverse cultural and community expression, local government should avoid promoting one ideology, belief or perspective over another, he said. 

“The support for this resolution should not be interpreted as opposition to any community or group in Homewood, especially our LGBTQ+ residents,” Homewood Trustee Jay Heiferman said, adding, “I am, and I always have been, a supporter and an ally. I care deeply that Homewood remains a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.” 

Trustees Patrick Siemsen and Lauren Roman echoed Heiferman’s sentiment.