WOODCLIFF LAKE—Without a comment on April 11, the Borough Council passed a flag-flying ordinance, 5-0, that limits the display and flying of flags on municipal property to six types, excluding the Pride Flag and others calling for attention to causes and publics.
Only five months ago in November 2021 when council members went to pass a similar ordinance, a flap over the Pride Flag’s exclusion caused the ordinance to be tabled for further review and investigation by the borough attorney. Previously, Mayor Carlos Rendo raised the Pride Flag on the Centennial Causeway
However, at neither introduction March 21, nor at the public hearing April 11 for Ordinance 22-04, was any public information offered on the ordinance or public comment received for or against the ordinance.
The flags permitted under Woodcliff Lake’s proposed ordinance include those of the United States, the State of New Jersey, the U.S. Armed Forces, Bergen County, the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, and borough departments.
The ordinance also provides guidelines for flying the U.S. flag at half-staff in memoriam for government leaders, first responders, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The measure was moved by councilwoman Josephine Higgins, seconded by councilman Richard Schnoll, and unanimously introduced by Higgins, Schnoll, Council President Jacqueline Gadaleta, and members Angela Hayes, Jennifer Margolis, and Steven Falanga.
Whether or not to fly the Pride flag to celebrate Pride Month, in June, had provoked emotional meetings and pleas from gay rights advocates to support their cause in the face of decades of discrimination and harassment against the LGBTQI+ communities.
It has also been a source of debate in towns in the Pascack and Northern valley areas.
Last November then-councilman Craig Marson, and Angela Hayes both opposed introduction of an initial flag ordinance that would have prohibited flying the Pride flag on a public flagpole.
Marson is no longer a councilman but plans to run in the upcoming Democratic primary against two Democratic newcomers, Nicole Marsh and Benjamin Pollack, for a chance at two open council seats.
On April 11, Hayes supported the ordinance limiting flag-flying on public property, along with councilmen Richard Schnoll and Steven Falanga, and councilwomen Jennifer Margolis and Josephine Higgins.
Council President Jacqueline Gadaleta had a family emergency and had to exit the meeting before the vote.
In Fair Lawn, the borough has established a “celebratory flag pole” on public property where they fly flags celebrating national commemorative months, and other nationally recognized days or weeks at the council’s discretion.
In June, Fair Lawn flies the LGBTQI+ Pride Flag and the Juneteenth flag.