This behavior cannot be excused as the impulses of youth, even if it is teenagers who are responsible for these crimes, as is often the case. The intent behind these acts is often willfully ignored or rationalized - what if it is just kids being kids? Whatever harm these thefts have caused is immediately downplayed and the perpetrators are shielded by the benefit of the doubt. Earlier this year, a pride flag was shredded outside a restaurant in Salt Lake City, a liberal bastion in this deep red state. During Pride Month this year, flags were stolen in Saratoga Springs, Herriman and South Jordan. During Provo Pride week last year, a congregational church sign announcing special celebratory services was vandalized and pride flags disappeared across the city - some later turning up again with messages such as “being gay is a sin” and “screw the f***” scrawled onto the colorful fabric. Despite increasing LGBTQ acceptance nationwide, cities throughout Utah have been the locations of backlash against these flags. Yet there are those who wish to remind the queer community that they are not welcomed by all. Project Rainbow, a local nonprofit, delivers and plants these pride flags across the state, helping LGBTQ Utahns stand proud and providing their allies with an “opportunity … to show love and support for their LGBTQ-identifying neighbors, friends and family members.” "We can do better than that," Allen said.Throughout the month of June, pride flags have fluttered in front of many Utah homes and businesses, symbols of support for the LGBTQ community and celebration of its perseverance in an often-unfriendly world. He also acknowledged that, despite political disagreements, the idea of "canceling" an opponents' viewpoint through destruction simply isn't acceptable behavior. So I wanted to let them know we care about everyone in this community." "None of us would like that, regardless of our political beliefs, regardless of what kind of statement we're making. "To them, I just wanted to express my condolences, that they had to experience such an incident," Allen said Wednesday.
"On Tuesday, state Rep. Scott Allen made a surprise visit to our residence to say how horrible this act was," Thelen said.Īllen (R-Waukesha), who represents District 97, confirmed he expressed his regret that the family had to experience an element that he acknowledged has become all too common in a testy political landscape. And a Republican Party leader also voiced his sympathy for what the family went through. The Democratic Party of Waukesha County promised to deliver a new pride flag, along with a replacement political sign. Thelen said the sheriff's department delivered a new American flag the next day, courtesy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The car reportedly sped off after spotting her. When she ran outside and saw the burning sign and flags, she also noticed a car parked nearby with its lights off. "I thought I was just lonely and alone in this, but I've been getting good messages," Thelen said in a Facebook message Wednesday, three days after a Wisconsinites for Biden, an LGBTQ pride flag and an American flag were burned at their Genesee Road home near Green Country Road.Īccording to the family, Thelen's niece noticed something burning in the front yard at about 9:30 p.m. On the other hand, the supportive response from state and local officials, as well as neighbors, gave Robert Thelen, and his father Michael Neuberger, a reason to smile as well, even if the suspected underlying motive continues to bother them. WAUKESHA - For a local family, a sign-and-flag-burning incident at their village home certainly provided reason enough for angst, drawn out by their feeling the vandalism was generated by hate and politics.