GOP Lawmakers In Cedar Grove Support LGBTQ Flag Raising Events

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — A pair of Republican state assemblymen who represent Cedar Grove supported raising the LGBTQ flag for Pride Month on Tuesday.

Assemblymen Kevin Rooney and Christopher DePhillips, who both represent the state’s 40th district, said they’re in favor of efforts to “celebrate unity and inclusiveness” in communities and raise the LGBTQ flag for Pride Month.

“Embracing diversity is part of the American story,” Rooney said. “As a father of four and a grandfather of two, I stand with residents of our state calling for raising the Pride Flag in our communities. It’s been reported that nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in the 12 to 14 age group are among LGBTQ children and it is our responsibility to create a more inclusive society for everyone.”

DePhillips said raising the Pride Flag is an issue of freedom of expression, and is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“We must live in a tolerant society,” DePhillips said. “Our children are watching their public officials. In our public discourse, we must always treat others as we would wish to be treated. I am confident the municipalities in our state can establish a fair process to use public property in a respectful way that protects the constitutional rights of all groups.”

Raising the rainbow flag has seen some resistance – but also massive support – in Essex County.

Last month, the Belleville Public Library saw some controversy over its rainbow flag raising when it allegedly conflicted with the raising of the U.S. flag. The library has also seen some critical comments about a "Drag Queen Story Time" event scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 22.

• See related article: Belleville Library Defends LGBT Pride Flag, 'Drag Queen' Event

In Bloomfield – which recently hosted a recent Pride Month festival – town officials showed support for LGBTQ rights by hanging banners throughout the township. The banners – which bear the township logo – read "Celebrate Diversity: Celebrate Pride," and can be seen throughout Bloomfield Center and outside of Town Hall.

• See related article: Bloomfield PrideFest Returns, Diversity Banners Displayed In Town

In the nearby North Jersey municipality of Hoboken, a conservative group held a protest outside a family-oriented "Drag Queen Story Hour" event at a local book store. The incident immediately inspired a strong show of support from the LGBTQ community.

• See related article: Hoboken Sees ‘Hateful’ Protest At Drag Queen' Event
• See related article: Hoboken Shows LGBTQ Pride For 'Drag Queen Story Hour' Performer

Read about three other recent shows of LGBTQ Pride in Essex County below.

• See related article: Clara Maass Hospital Raises Rainbow Flag For LGBT Pride Month
• See related article: Newark LGBT Community Gathers For Flag-Raising Ceremony (PHOTOS)
• See related article: Maplewood Paints Rainbow-Striped Crosswalks For LGBT Pride Month

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