Barrington Residents Protest Town's Flag Raising Policies

BARRINGTON, RI — Several Barrington residents gathered to protest the town's flag raising policies Monday, arguing that the town is only supporting particular groups and rejecting others, reported WPRI.

Paul Dulchinos, president of the Barrington United Veterans Coalition, told WPRI that the town voted to allow a Pride flag and Black Lives Matter flag to fly outside the town hall, but rejected other flag proposals from the coalition, including a Tea Party flag and an All Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter flag.

According to Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha, the group has the right to protest, but the town will not fly politically motivated flags. Rather, the flags flown outside the town hall are there to respect people who need to be recognized and protected.

Town Council President Michael Carroll agreed with Cunha, telling WPRI that the town has “chosen to fly flags which reflect the values of the town.”

Carroll also said they plan to hold a special meeting sometime in July at which residents can request the town to fly particular flags.