Gay pride flag stolen from church

A gay pride flag flying outside a church in Quincy has been vandalized four times in the past nine months, and parishioners say they’re being targeted.

The church keeps replacing the flag, which is a symbol for the church’s support of equal rights.

The flag was stolen in August and September. It was burned in November, and then stolen again this week.

The United First Parish Unitarian Church has filed reports with police and filed a complaint with the city human rights commission.

Statement From Quincy Human Rights Board Member:

" We dont know if this 4th time was done by the same person as previous times, or that if it is by an individual or a group of people. I also said that sometimes, kids who dont know the meaning of their actions it is like a prank to them. What I feel is a better way , rather than vandalizing , which is a crime, to express one's point of view or anger at something they dont like - is to either write annonymously to the church or have a open discussion in person or as a community forum between the church and the community where "without judgement" your view about an issue can be expressed- for eg: they can say "I am a member of this church/community and these are the reasons i dont like the flag being outside my church" - that starts a dialogue and possible solution or outcome."

Kumu Gupta
Quincy Human Rights Commission