Once again, rainbow flags were stolen in front of the municipal library in Büsum, a town in the Dithmarschen district of Schleswig-Holstein. The theft marks the second incident in just a few days, according to the municipality. The flags had been hung during Pride Month to symbolize diversity and inclusion.
The municipality of Büsum, along with the local initiative “Büsum stays colorful,” responded with sharp criticism of the incident, viewing it as an attack on an open and democratic society.
The mayor, Oliver Kumbartzky (FDP), said he was outraged: “The theft of these flags is a disrespectful act against the values that hold our community together,” he stated. “Büsum is a cosmopolitan place where discrimination and exclusion have no place. We will not allow the community’s diversity to be attacked,” Kumbartzky added. “The commitment to living together in tolerance cannot be stolen.”
The municipality announced plans to replace the stolen flags and has filed a police report. The police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to contact the local police station or the municipal administration.
Marcy Ellerton
