The Green Council Group and Lauri Lavanti, 16 June 2025
Flying the Pride flag costs the municipality very little — but for rainbow youth and other minorities it is concrete proof that Kirkkonummi stands behind the equality it promises in its strategy. In Finland, the activities of municipalities are guided by the Local Government Act, which obliges municipalities to promote the wellbeing of their residents and to organise services in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner. In Kirkkonummi, this work is guided by the Local Government Act as well as the municipal strategy, whose objectives include, among other things, promoting equality and equal treatment.
Why does Pride flag flying fit Kirkkonummi’s strategy?
Rainbow youth report in the school health survey significantly more loneliness, depression and discrimination than their peers. According to its municipal strategy, Kirkkonummi is a safe and youth-friendly municipality. The municipality now has an opportunity to demonstrate that these goals are being realised in concrete actions. Approving Pride flag flying would be a clear message that Kirkkonummi is committed to promoting equality and combating discrimination. It would also strengthen the sense of community that the municipality aims for in its strategy.
Pride flag flying is already in use in many cities and municipalities throughout Finland. For example, Finland’s most attractive city, Tampere, flies flags during Manse Pride week, and our neighbouring city Espoo is a partner of Helsinki Pride. Behind Pride is a broad network of local and national actors. For example, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities have been Pride partners.
What does the initiative propose?
We, the undersigned councillors, propose that Kirkkonummi municipality adopts annual Pride flag flying in the colours of the rainbow flag. The flag flying would take place on the municipality’s flagpoles during the national Pride week. Pride flag flying is a small and low-cost gesture for the municipality, but its symbolic significance for minority residents and their loved ones is enormous.
The Green Council Group
I have written more about equality: about everyone’s right to be proud of their existence and about how the vote finally went . Read more in my posts on equality .
The initiative was originally published on the Kirkkonummi Greens website on 17 June 2025.
Other posts
-
Kirkkonummi tells everyone: you belong here
Bullying of rainbow youth is increasing. Kirkkonummi voted 30–14 for flag-flying — a small gesture with measurable effects on young people's wellbeing.
-
Lähteelä — a gem on Kirkkonummi coast
Kirkkonummi acquired Lähteelä, a coastal recreation area. It is one of the few places on Kirkkonummi's coast accessible without a private boat - now it's permanently available to all.
-
Kirkkonummi is a more equal place today
The municipal council of Kirkkonummi on 9.3. accepted my initiative for hoisting the Pride flag in Kirkkonummi, twice a year!
-
West Railway exposed flaws in Kirkkonummi
The West Railway decision revealed shortcomings in Kirkkonummi's strategic planning. The municipality risks bearing the costs without the benefits.
