Village of Sleepy Hollow raises Pride flag for first time despite opposition from some residents

The idea was originally met with opposition from some trustee members, but with overwhelming public support, the board says they ultimately had to give the people what they wanted.

Emily Young

Jun 15, 2024, 1:12 AM

Updated 181 days ago

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It was a historic day in the Village of Sleepy Hollow as they raised the Pride flag at Village Hall for the very first time.
The idea was originally met with opposition from some trustee members, but with overwhelming public support, the board says they ultimately had to give the people what they wanted.
"We’re a little late to the game, but now we're there and it's exciting to be here," said resident Lindsay Krakauer, of the decision that makes the village one of the last of the water towns to proudly fly the Pride flag.
The board room was packed as the village trustees voted unanimously to approve a resolution that would allow the Pride flag to fly next to the American flag for the rest of June.
A choir of proud residents in the public comments, who say it’s a win not just for inclusivity, but for the celebration of everyone’s differences.
"I feel so safe in this community, and I feel love in this community, and I haven’t felt that anywhere else before, so thank you," said one resident during public comments.
"A really big heartfelt thank you. I am so proud to go home and tell my two boys who asked if this was going to pass this morning," said another.
A few voices of disappointment were in the audience as well.
"The government and political leaders seem to have this perverse motive of unity through division, and that's an oxymoron in its finest, and as long as we keep dividing, we will never be united," said one dissatisfied resident.
And while Trustee and Deputy Mayor Denise Scaglione voted in support of the resolution, she expressed contempt for the speed in which the board was forced to vote on this matter, and ultimately for the decision the board made.
"While I'm not comfortable with this as a policy, I know it’s an important issue to all of you," she said.
She was noticeably absent as the flag was being raised, but the majority of residents just seemed proud of their hometown.