Letters of Pride: Adam Tuckman

MyRye.com is publishing a series of letters of support for raising the Pride flag on City flagpoles. The letters were sent to the City ahead of the City Council voting to fly the flag, and are a matter of public record.

From: Adam Tuckman

Subject: follow-up on raising flag

Date: April 21, 2021 at 10:31:43 AM EDT

To: “Souza, Julie A.” <jsouza@ryeny.gov>, <ptarlow@ryeny.gov>, “Goddard, Sara W.” <sgoddard@ryeny.gov>

Thank you all for the quick response and your support for raising the flag in June. Can you please elaborate on the legal concerns surrounding this gesture?

Were these legal topics vetted after the decision was made last year to not raise the flag?

How does the Rye City Council plan to select legal counsel to advise on the subject without bias?

Is there precedent to other neighboring towns raising the flag with or without legal implications?

Is there anyone on the City Council that does not support raising the flag and what is their rationale?

I understand members of the community may find it difficult to support the LGBTQ community given their personal religious beliefs or other reasoning. I don’t think that negates the opportunity for other members of the community to support inclusivity, civil rights or general freedoms.

The first commandment says “Thou shalt not kill”.

It is a main belief held across several religions and something I believe personally.

Yet, I support our military and its veterans and celebrate them accordingly.

I hope this email doesn’t come across as confrontational.

I think Rye is a community of cultured and educated residents.

Raising the flag is a simple gesture and teaches our children to be inclusive and compassionate and celebrate civil rights.

Anything less would be tragic and despicable. And I’m not a dramatic person.

Thanks for your time.

I look forward to your responses and feedback.

Adam

Adam Tuckman