East Devon District Council votes to fly Pride Flag and Bisexual Flag

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has voted to support two motions proposed by Cllr Luke Jeffery (Honiton St Michael's, Liberal Democrats) which will see EDDC fly the Pride Flag and the Bisexual Flag outside of Blackdown House to coincide with Pride Month (June) and Bisexual Visibility Day (23 September).

While proposing his two motions Cllr Jeffery referred to how in Devon between 2018 and 2019 hate crimes against people on the basis of their sexual orientation rose by 9.6% and hate crimes against transgender people rose by 26.5%.

The first motion proposed by Cllr Jeffery and seconded by Cllr Joe Whibley (Exmouth Town, Independent) sees EDDC commit to flying the rainbow Pride Flag during Pride Month in June and on the same day as any pride events which take place within the district.

It will also see EDDC engage with local LGBT+ charities and advocacy groups to see how EDDC can better support its LGBT+ community.

The second motion proposed by Cllr Jeffery and seconded by Cllr Whibley means EDDC has committed to flying the Bisexual flag outside of Blackdown house on Bisexual Visibility Day, to promote awareness around the specific challenges faced by the bisexual community.

It will also see EDDC include specific materials about the bisexual community in any equalities training it runs for staff.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Jeffery said: "I am delighted to see EDDC approve these two motions, it shows how EDDC is determined to show solidarity with its LGBT+ community who make up such an important part of our community.

"As an openly bisexual councillor, I am especially pleased to see the motion recognising the specific challenges faced by my community and look forward to seeing the bisexual flag outside Blackdown house in September."

Cllr Whibley said: "I am delighted and relieved that EDDC councillors do indeed live in the 21st Century and recognise the importance of this motion, and the positive benefits of recognising such important causes."