Town of Hamilton, Massachusetts
Human Rights Commission
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
The Human Rights Commission condemns last week’s theft of the Pride Flags flying during June on a private community-based flagpole and the Town-owned flagpole in Patton Park, as well as the defacing of Pride symbols. The thief or thieves clearly intended a hateful symbolic message. The Hamilton Human Rights Commission is saddened that an individual would do this, and we want the LGBTQIA+ community to know that this deplorable action does not speak for our broader community, and that the community has resources to support those who need it, including a confidential reporting process through the HHRC’s page on the town website. The Town replaced and restored the Pride flag to the flagpole for the remainder of June, as previously authorized by the Select Board.
The Hamilton Human Rights Commission denounces these actions, which were clearly intended to create an atmosphere of fear in others. The Human Rights Commission does not investigate or adjudicate such matters; however, we stand in support of the rights of individuals to be free of discrimination.
We invite you to reach out to the Human Rights Commission via our online form if you or someone you know would benefit from the support offered by the Commission. https://www.hamiltonma.gov/government/human-rights-commission/contact-the-human-rights-commission/
Jamie Knudsen
Chair-Town of Hamilton Human Rights Commission
