DOWNEY — The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials (LACLEO) association, in response to the Downey City Council’s vote to ban the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, expressed its “profound disappointment” in the decision.

“This is a flag that symbolizes hope, freedom and unity,” said LACLEO President and Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang. “As an association representing over 50 LGBTQ+ elected officials, we are deeply disappointed but also incredibly surprised. Downey hosted the first pride celebration of any city in southeast Los Angeles County, flying the Pride flag proudly.”

The council vote was even more surprising given the fact that Mayor Mario Trujillo and Councilmember Horacio Ortiz are out-LGBTQ+ officials and who both voted against the measure, the association said.

“It just doesn’t make any sense for the leaders of a community that has been supportive of their LGBTQ+ constituents in the past to now adopt what appears to be a mean-spirited measure,” said Prang. “At a time when we need to come together as a society more than ever, this can only serve to create division and discord where there was none.”

Mayor Mario Trujillo stated, “The flag has particular poignance for LGBTQ+ youth – it sends a message that this is a safe space and that you are welcome. Suicide is at epidemic levels and we should be doing all we can to be welcoming.”

“We must work to discover solutions that expand inclusivity and that acknowledge the diversity that enriches the places we all call home”, added LACLEO Vice President Ed Reece, who also serves as LA County LGBTQ+ Commissioner and Claremont City Councilmember.