Providence, Rhode Island, has agreed to a request to fly the Palestinian flag at city hall this Friday.
City officials clarified that the American flag remains alongside others, emphasizing that multiple flags have been displayed at government offices previously.
“Providence City Hall showcases various flags throughout the year to honor the diverse cultural backgrounds that strengthen our community,” a spokesman for the Providence City Council mentioned on Wednesday.
The spokesman noted that the Dominican, Irish, Armenian, and Israeli flags have also been raised recently.
“Similar to these instances, this idea emerged from the community to recognize the vital contributions of Palestinian Americans to our vibrant urban landscape,” the spokesman added.
Council Chairman Rachel Miller will hang the flag outside city hall on Friday following a City Council meeting on Thursday.
When queried about this decision, representatives for Democratic Mayor Brett Smiley indicated that the event falls under the council’s privileges.
“In Providence, the administrative branch and the city council operate independently. The Palestinian flag will be raised by the City Council, not Mayor Smiley’s office,” explained Smiley’s spokesperson, Josh Estrella.
According to a report from GolocalProvidence, the display of the Palestinian flag is reportedly gaining traction in city halls.
Typically, indoor spaces only feature the state and U.S. flags, the report noted.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from Jack Reid, D-RI, a senior member of the Rhode Island Democratic delegation and the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In a related inquiry, Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department to understand their position on the flag situation amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Requests for comments were also sent to Rep. Gabe Amo, D-RI, who represents many areas of the capital region.
