Story perspectives

French Mayors Remove Rainbow Flags, Spark Planned Pride Protest

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayors Steve Fortel (Elne) and Brice Lauret (Faches-Thumesnil) removed rainbow flags from town halls and cancelled Pride celebrations.
Former communist mayor Nicolas Garcia called the removals a rejection of anti-discrimination commitments.
LGBTQ+ leader Alexandra Puig said the actions were anti-republican and attacked inclusion.
Collectif Lille Pride warned the moves could spur violence, citing a 5% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ offenses in 2023-2024, and set a protest for April 25 at 3:30 p.m.

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Story summary

Mayors Steve Fortel (Elne) and Brice Lauret (Faches-Thumesnil) removed rainbow flags from town halls and cancelled Pride celebrations.
Former communist mayor Nicolas Garcia called the removals a rejection of anti-discrimination commitments.
LGBTQ+ leader Alexandra Puig said the actions were anti-republican and attacked inclusion.
Collectif Lille Pride warned the moves could spur violence, citing a 5% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ offenses in 2023-2024, and set a protest for April 25 at 3:30 p.m.