THE gay and lesbian community flag is to fly at the town hall to celebrate same sex partnerships and gay pride.

In a rare move, council officers agreed the Rainbow Flag would be flown on December 21.

The standard will be hoisted at the Ladywell Register Office to mark the first day when couples of the same sex will be able to register their relationships in a civil ceremony.

And it will fly on a flagpole outside the town hall in July next year to mark London's hosting of the first International Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) pride march.

But the move has split the community with some asking why the gay community has been singled out for special treatment while others welcome the plan.

The borough's LGBT Panel first asked the council to consider flying the flag and officers have agreed.

But Reverend Canon Graham Corneck of St Luke's Church, Evelyn Street, said: "Why should we recognise the gay and lesbian community more than any other community?

"How about the large majority of Christians or other groups?

"If you start on one group the council will have to start recognising the other groups. Why can't we have a flag which unites us all?"

A council spokesman said: "Naturally, in such a diverse community, people have different ideas about what is important to them.

"There are so many flags we could not realistically meet all the individual requests we receive.

"We have wholeheartedly supported civil partnerships and we have agreed to fly the Rainbow Flag in December.

"It is hugely significant for lesbian and gay people."

LGBT panel member Steve Thompson, 41, welcomes the decision: "It is a message to those in the mainstream of society who are anti-LGBT. It good for us to be accepted and have greater visibility."

Green Party councillor Darren Johnson also supports the plans.

He said: "I'm supportive of flying the flag because there has been so much discrimination against lesbian and gay people.

"Finally, consigning homophobic legislation into the rubbish bin is an appropriate action to take with the flag."

Reverend Carol Lanham from St Michael's Church, Desmond Street, Lewisham, added: "I would be happy about the flag if other groups were given equal opportunity, such as single mums, who are also marginalised in society.

"It might help the LGBT community but flying a flag is not going to make much difference in changing people's views."

Pole to pole: The facts

  • The Rainbow Flag joins very few others to flutter above the town hall
  • The council usually grants permission to fly flags on an individual basis to acknowledge events of national significance or special occasions
  • The Union Flag is flown on significant occasions such as Remembrance Sunday
  • Visiting foreign dignities from twin towns have their flags hoisted and the Queen's Royal Standard was sent up the flagpole when she visited in 2002
  • The Royal Navy's White Ensign was flown to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar and Millwall FC's flag flew when the team made the FA Cup final
  • Other national flags including the Cross of St George are not flown