October 10, 2019

Watch: Syracuse Church's Gay Pride Flag Allegedly Burned

Sam Cronin READ TIME: 1 MIN.

A Syracuse, N.Y. church alleged earlier this week that someone pulled down and burned their gay Pride flag, which was prominently hung outside the building. The May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society church reported the incident to local police, who are now investigating.

"The church has a new flag up and as of right now, the investigation is being treated as a criminal mischief incident, but Syracuse Police say based on the results of their investigation and the motive behind the flag burning, it could potentially yield hate crime changes. Anyone with information is asked to call Syracuse Police at (315) 446-9900."
The Society posted a lengthy explanation to their Facebook, emphasizing their disappointment about the incident, as well as the church's intention to reaffirm their inclusivity and tolerance for all people.

"Unfortunately, on Sunday October 6th the burned remains of that flag were found on our property in our memorial garden," The Society posted. "We believe this to have been an act of hate and fear and a police report has been filed. As a congregation, May Memorial has always been and will always continue to be a welcoming congregation where all are affirmed in their personhood with love and compassion. In response to this act of hate, May Memorial will be reaffirming our Welcoming Congregation status and looking for ways to further our work of welcome and love in the Syracuse Community and beyond.

Watch the WSYR coverage of the incident below:

by Sam Cronin

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