The LGBTQ Pride Flag will again fly over the Manteca Civic Center.

A 4-1 council vote on Tuesday — with Councilman Dave Breitenbucher dissenting — approved issuing a proclamation and flying the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Pride Flag at the Civic Center in June during Pride Month.

The flag, under city rules, will only fly for seven consecutive days.

It was the first vote under the flag policy ordinance the council adopted last June after a controversy was sparked when Interim City Manager Toni Lundgren authorized flying the Pride flag at the request of some city employees.

Up until then, flags that were displayed along with the American and California state flags, were up to the city manager.

The new policy requires a request to be brought up by a council member to be put to a vote. At that point, four fifths of the council has to agree to another flag being displayed.

Six community members spoke on the issue.

Breitenbucher said he believes the United States and California flags were all that should be displayed except perhaps the POW or MIA flags, both of which have flown in the past along with a blue flag honoring fallen police officers. Doing anything more, he said, would “open a can of worms.”

He emphasized the state and national flags already represented inclusion.

“I see Manteca as a fairly loving community,” Mayor Gary Singh said.

The mayor said the flag represents the diversity that Manteca embraces.

Councilman Mike Morowit noted census data shows that 9.1 percent of Americans openly identify as being gay or part of the LBGTQ spectrum.

“it’s not just one or two people as some have implied,” Morowit said.

Councilman Jose Nuno said his personal views weren’t what mattered but the fact the Pride flag represents members within the community of Manteca that “we are all a part of.”

“Wee are an inclusive nation,’ Councilman  Charlie Halford said.

And while he also agreed controversies could be avoided by imply sticking with the American and California flags begin flown, he said the city should “:embrace everyone” that is part of Manteca.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com