Rabbi Keith Stern, Newton resident and Chair of the Human Rights Commission, opened the Pride Flag Raising ceremony at Newton City Hall on Tuesday, June 4th. He began his remarks wondering “From 35,000 ft, why would there be a day, set aside to honor people who are already completed melted and integrated into our community?” But he noted that he never would have imagined 15 years ago, that basic human rights would not be threatened, “that books that even mention the words gay, or queer, or trans, would be being pulled off the shelf.” He said, that “raising the flag is a clarion call to action, to not stand idly by, that we are all involved, but it’s not easy, as the world feels that it’s teetering.”
First portion Mayor Fuller’s opening remarks:
Slide Show:
