– the flagging is an important step in the right direction to create a warmer and safer society for all

On Thursday, March 27, the municipal council in Guovdageainnu Suohkan-Kautokeino municipality decided that it will be flagged with inclusion flag (Pride flag) on ​​municipal flagpoles. This is a happy day for the whole of Sápmi!

Our (signed) proposal was that the municipal council flags with inclusion flags on municipal flagpoles in connections it seems natural/appropriate.

The proposal received a majority with 12 against 7 votes. Although we wish to flag were a matter of course, the debate in advance of the vote shows that it is still important and necessary to fight for visibility and acceptance.

Guovdageaidnu is a conservative society, and it is high time to break the silence culture around LGBTQi+issues. We must dare to talk about this openly, and the flagging is an important step in the right direction to create a warmer and safer society for everyone.

The harsh debate at the municipal council meeting emphasizes precisely why active and public support for LHBTQi+people are so necessary. Opponents of the flagging argued, among other things, that the Pride flag is political and ideological, goes against Christian values ​​and is exclusive to Christians.

But this is about basic human rights, the right to love and about the right to be who is without fear of discrimination or heat.

We hope that this decision can inspire more Sami municipalities to take similar steps. To create a more inclusive sápmi we must act – not just with words, but with actions. Guovdageaidnus vision is to be the wizard in Sápmi. Through this decision we can be just that. We would like to thank everyone who has stood for this decision and everyone who fights for a more open and inclusive society. This is just the beginning.

Elle Rávdná Näkkäläjärvi, representative at

The municipal council meeting on March 27

2. Item in Guovdageainnu Sámilistu