A Detroit-area city that barred LGBTQ+ flags from publicly owned flagpoles did not violate the Constitution, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge David Lawson dismissed the lawsuit against Hamtramck, affirming the city council’s 2023 decision to restrict flag displays on government property.
Flag Policy Details
The ordinance permits only five flags to be flown on city-owned poles, including the American flag, the Michigan state flag, and flags representing Hamtramck’s international character. The city, an enclave within Detroit, is home to a diverse immigrant population.
Pride flags had previously been flown in June 2021 and 2022. However, members of the city’s all-Muslim council argued that the display conflicted with the beliefs of some residents.
Critics and Court’s Response
Opponents of the policy claimed the city was violating free speech protections. Judge Lawson rejected this argument, writing: “Hamtramck’s refusal to display the Gay Pride flag did not violate the Constitution.”
The ruling emphasized that the policy applies to all private flags, not only LGBTQ+ symbols.
Community Background
Hamtramck has a population of about 27,000, with more than 40% of residents born abroad, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The community includes significant Yemeni and Bangladeshi populations.
Political Context
The case comes as Hamtramck’s mayor, Amer Ghalib — the first Yemeni-born mayor of a U.S. city — has been nominated by former President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to Kuwait.
