Pelham is showing some Pride today with the installation of two new benches.
As Pride Month starts wrapping up, the town is putting the new Pride benches in Peace Park behind Town Hall and at the Meridian Community Centre.
Mayor Marvin Junkin says he was proud to raise the Pride flag at the start of this month, and unveiling these new benches continues to celebrate the LGBTQ2+ community.
The benches were approved by council April.
During the discussion Councillor Marianna Stewart says she was not opposed to the idea of benches but said, "I think the issue is this is one particular group and we have so many other groups that participate in the town in various ways. I think it could become somewhat of a slippery slope if we've got to dedicate a bench or spend some money on some other way to recognize each of these events."
Mayor Junkin reminded council Pelham signed an Inclusivity and Diversity agreement. "Yes, while I agree as a budget item the raising of the flag is appropriate if indeed we are short of money, my own feelings are that I think as a town we should do more. As elected officials we are - we represent every aspect of this community, every person," he explained. "I've seen the benches that Lincoln has put out, and they are very nice. And it would show the community that yes, we are indeed committed to inclusivity and diversity. I guess we could also argue, 'They are only benches.' But at the same time it's what those benches represent."
Council ultimately unanimously supported the benches.