BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan issued a proclamation declaring June Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer Pride Month in Binghamton.
The Rainbow Flag raising ceremony on Friday kicked off a month of events to celebrate and raise awareness of LGBTQ issues.
Ryan is the first Binghamton mayor to raise the Rainbow Flag in honor of LGBTQ Pride month. Ryan said the ceremony is a chance to celebrate contributions of the LGBTQ community and reject prejudice.
Across the street from the flag raising, about 20 people were seen protesting the ceremony. The protestors said they were not there to express hatred, but to speak the truth in love.
Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan issued a proclamation declaring June lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer Pride Month in Binghamton.
"What he's doing is giving public support to something which is contrary to the dignity of the human person,” said Father Johannes Smith, Mount Saint Francis Hermitage.
"The community asked me to raise the flag. I think it’s symbolic of a very important message that we need tolerance for all people in our society,” said Mayor Ryan.