Providence mayor institutes new flag policy after raising of Palestinian flag

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –Providence Mayor Brett Smiley signed an executive order that established an official city policy for the flags that can and cannot be flown after the raising of the Palestinian flag above City Hall on May 16.

The Rhode Island Coalition for Israel filed a formal complaint with the city over the raising.

The flag was raised by the City Council at the request of a Palestinian constituents.

However, not every member of the council agreed with the decision.

The new policy now requires that the flying of flags be decided as part of official events or by decision of a mayoral proclamation or City Council prolamation.