UXBRIDGE, Mass. — During a month meant to celebrate pride, someone has been bringing shame to Uxbridge. The rainbow flags adoring a bridge in the town keep disappearing.
“It is sad, it is ignorance, it is hate, it is a lack of understanding,” says Stephen Mandile, a Uxbridge resident.
For the past two days, Mandile and his daughters have been replacing the flags with more flags and waving them to drivers.
“I know there’s a lot of children in this town that identify as that and also a lot of first responders and I want them all to know how much support they have in Uxbridge and how much we love them and want them to be seen and heard,” says Mandile.
This comes as the Human Rights Campaign declares a state of emergency for the LGBTQ-plus community after a number of bills have been passed infringing on what some say are their human rights.
“Really turning the clock back and I think that is terrible,” says Mandile.
A surveillance camera has been placed near the bridge to help catch whoever is taking the Pride flags.
“Not looking for anyone to have to go to jail but just want people to answer for what they have been doing and tell us why,” says Mandile.
If the flags get taken again, Mandile and his girls will be back out with more.
“You are loved and there is somebody thinking about you,” says Abbigail Mandile.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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