News Source: KXAN
Newly-wed couple David Colligan and Alonzo Rivas were beaming with pride, as they hung up their colorful flag.
“It’s pride month!” Colligan said. That excitement quickly turned into shock after they received a notice from property management to take it down. According to management, those are the rules of the neighborhood’s Home Owner’s Association, which it enforces.
That notice from property management — which the couple shared with KXAN — states their HOA only allows American, armed forces and State of Texas flags to be hung.
The couple lives in the Town Court Condominium, which is a small neighborhood in south Austin.
“Being told that this flag doesn’t reflect integrity, and it’s something that diminishes the value of the community — is just ridiculous,” Colligan said.
The husbands told KXAN they’ve rented their home for over five years, and decided this year, they wanted to teach their daughters about Pride. They hung the flag as a family.
Now the couple plans on asking neighbors to sign a petition, with hopes of being able to change the rules to be more supportive and inclusive.
They have also asked for a formal review of the rules.
“We don’t have any interest in breaking the rules, but we do have interest in changing the rules,” Colligan said.
They feel it’s their duty to advocate for other LGBTQ neighbors, and educate those who they feel don’t understand what the flag truly represents.
“We’ve been nothing but great residents — we shoveled snow and ice for elders during the winter storm, we’ve baked treats for our daughters to hand out during the holidays and we are always kind during dog walks,” Colligan said. “Seems very un-Austin of a neighborhood that upholds or enforces rules that discriminate.”