Reno mayor apologizes for LGBT flag over city hall

An LGBT flag was flown over Reno City Hall over the weekend instead of the American flag, sparking an apology from Mayor Hillary Schieve Monday morning.

Schieve was alerted Sunday night that the American flag was not flying over city hall, she said in a statement.

“I can most certainly see why people would be offended or upset,” Schieve said in the statement. “I did not order that the American flag be taken down. I have asked that the flag be put back immediately.

“It was certainly not the City’s intention to be disrespectful, and it never should have happened,” she said in the statement. “I will take full responsibility since I represent this city.”

At a rather solemn caucus meeting at city hall on Monday, Schieve also apologized to city staff for the mix up and reiterated that she would take "full responsibility" as mayor.

"It is important to be extremely sensitive to this," she said. "In the future, as we move forward, I can assure you this won't happen again."

Schieve, who participated in the gay pride events on Saturday, said she made the request that the rainbow pride flag be hung at city hall but never asked for it to replace the U.S. Flag.

"I thought it would hang at the front door of city hall," she told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Schieve said she spoke with city manager Andrew Clinger, who is researching whether the city has a flag code. She said that code will be followed in the future or a new code would be written.

Meanwhile, Councilman David Bobzien said all city staff must feel "empowered" to reject any "directive that comes down" on an inappropriate use of the U.S. Flag, adding all staff must be "conversant with those basic principles" about the flag that citizens learn in school.

"The mortification is being felt across the entire city," he said.

Schieve had previously issued a proclamation declaring July 25 as Pride Day.

Reno recently celebrated the Northern Nevada PRIDE Festival on Saturday, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

Schieve was among the crowd at Wingfield Park for the annual festival.

“I have family members who have served, and I know the importance of the ultimate sacrifice they have made for our country,” Schieve said in the statement. “I am very proud to be an American, and we should always support our troops and veterans no matter what.

“I too am offended and there is no excuse for this,” she said. “Those who have served deserve the highest respect for their service. My sincere apologies to all those who have served and to the citizens of Reno.”

The City of Reno also released the following statement:

“The City of Reno honors and respects the men and women who serve our country, and we apologize to those we may have offended.”

The events that led to the change in flags flying over City Hall Sunday were not immediately clear.

Check with RGJ for more updates as they become available.

Follow the RGJ’s Marcella Corona on Twitter at　@Marcella_Anahi　and on Facebook atFacebook.com/Marcella.Anahi