US: Rainbow flags stolen from California LGBT centre
Two rainbow flags were stolen from the Sacramento LGBT Community Centre in California on Friday night.
The centre said in a Facebook post: “Overnight, our two rainbow flags were violently ripped from their flag poles and stolen.
“The rainbow flags on the front of our building serve as a beacon of safety, compassion, love, and pride for the community.
“They make it clear the Center is here for everyone. They let you know you will not be turned away regardless of your need, and that you are valued.”
The centre is appealing for donations to replace the flags.
It said of the donations they have received so far: “Thank you so much for your outpouring of support.”
Despite the rainbow flags being ripped down, the centre’s US flag was left intact.
A sign was stolen from the same community centre a month ago.
The Centre, which advertises as oldest and largest LGBT community centre in California’s Central Valley, was founded in 1978 as a special assistance program called the Lambda Community Fund.
Its focuses include youth outreach, especially to homeless LGBT youth, health outreach to those living with HIV, and suicide prevention.
Last week, California briefly had the first ever openly gay governor in the US, when out California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins stood in for governor Jerry Brown.
A gender recognition law was also recently enacted, allowing trans people to gain some legal recognition in the state without having to go to court to do so.
