Eurajoki council rejects rainbow flag proposal, calls for diversity training

The municipal council of Eurajoki in southwestern Finland has declined to raise the rainbow flag for Pride Day, instead opting for the Finnish flag, according to a report by Yle. The decision has prompted a council motion from the local Left Alliance, calling for mandatory diversity training for officials on sexual and gender minority issues.

The Left Alliance’s sole council member, Satu Pessi, submitted the motion on Monday, arguing that recent statements by council leaders reveal a lack of understanding about LGBTQ+ matters. “Recognising rainbow communities doesn’t take anything away from others—it builds trust and inclusion,” Pessi stated. She added that advancing equality for minorities strengthens rights for all residents.

Earlier, the municipal board voted 7–1 against flying the rainbow flag at the town hall, with the Centre Party and Social Democrats backing the Finnish flag as a “neutral” alternative. Board chair Marja Vaitomaa (Centre) emphasised Eurajoki’s tolerance, while Heimo Nikula (Centre) claimed the Finnish flag “best honours all groups equally” and keeps the flagpole “untainted.”

The Left Alliance’s motion highlights that board members had previously made “inappropriate” remarks, including claims that the rainbow flag would “stain” the pole and references to LGBTQ+ people as “activists.” The proposal now calls for training to ensure informed decision-making on diversity issues.

Eurajoki’s municipal manager, Vesa Lakaniemi, supported the training initiative, though the board’s earlier decision on the flag remains unchanged.