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“This is down to the granular level, who controls the building? Who is responsible for what goes on that building?" said Stan Barnes.
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With the majority of the Arizona Legislature being Republican, political experts say it's possible some may not have wanted the flag displayed on a state building. "I don’t think this is about the rules, I think this is about somebody being offended and telling him to figure out a way to take it down.” “I think he’s nitpicking the rules," argued Hobbs. RELATED: OPINION Trump again abandons LGBTQ people, this time over pride flags used in conjunction with an activity may not be staked into the ground nor affixed to or drawn on the trees, vegetation, landscaping, poles, monuments, sidewalks or buildings."Įxecutive Director for the Legislative Council Mike Braun tells ABC15 the decision to remove the flag was his, and says he only did so because the Secretary's office failed to follow the regulations visibly posted on state Capitol grounds. The list goes on to say, "Equipment, props, banners, signs, tents, etc. Hobbs argues the display isn't an event, but regulations state: "Activity on the State Capitol Grounds (including picketing, protesting, speech-making, marching, or conducting a vigil, religious service, press conference, luncheon, celebration, entertainment, exhibition, parade, fair, pageant, or any other activity that involves the communication or expression of views or ideas, engaged in by one or more persons)." Those rules, governed by the Legislative Council, say events on Capitol grounds need to first be approved. Hopefully, this doesn't reflect how she intends to carry out her duties.” It is concerning that our state’s chief elections officer is disseminating partisan misinformation. "They just, you know, said a member was asking about it and wanted to know what it was for and how long it would be there.”īowers' office sent this statement following the accusation: “While the flag was not removed at Speaker Bowers' direction or request, he respects Legislative Council's obligation to enforce Capitol rules governing displays equally and uniformly. “My office got a call from the Speaker's office," she added. She told ABC15 her office was questioned shortly after hanging the flag. In a tweet, Hobbs said the removal came at the direction of Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Russell Bowers. RELATED: US embassies denied permission to fly rainbow pride flags from flagpoles
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“There are a lot of things going on in our state and this is what they’re going to choose to pick a fight over?" she said. However, just hours after it went up, it was swiftly removed. Hobbs, an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, says she saw no problem hanging the flag over the Arizona Capitol Museum building, calling it a part of her office. "There haven’t been officials in high office that celebrate them.” “Sometimes folks feel not seen," said Secretary Katie Hobbs. RELATED: California flies Pride flag while Trump administration blocks flags at US embassies It's why Arizona's Secretary of State said she wanted to drape the gay pride flag down the patio of the Old Capitol building for the first time in history. It's LGBTQ+ Pride month, and the 50 th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.