(AgapePress) - A conservative politician says it is "an absolute outrage and disgrace" that the mayor of Syracuse intends to raise the rainbow flag on Flag Day.

On June 14, Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll will issue a proclamation recognizing the "contributions" of local people who are homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. The event marks the first time the rainbow flag -- the international symbol for "gay and lesbian pride" -- will be allowed to fly over Syracuse City Hall.

Mike Long, chairman of the Conservative Party of New York, is calling on Driscoll to rescind his decision. Long says there is only one day that is set aside every year in America to honor the Stars and Stripes, and to cherish what the red, white, and blue means. To do anything else on Flag Day, he says, is a disgrace and an insult to the American people.

"It's an insult to the men and women who gave their lives to defend this country and this flag," Long says, "and it's certainly unconscionable. Clearly, the mayor of Syracuse should reconsider what he's done. And I would only hope that the people of Syracuse will rally and stand up and rebel against what the mayor of this city is doing."

Long says Driscoll has caved in to pressure from the homosexual community. "Quite frankly, what seems to be politically correct to him is certainly [and] clearly a morally wrong decision and a disgrace to the day that Flag Day represents," he says.

Long is encouraging Syracuse residents to take part in peaceful demonstrations with the American flag, asking Driscoll to rescind his decision. "It's an absolute insult to the country, especially with 9-11," Long says. "The mayor of Syracuse is making Syracuse the laughing stock of not just the country, but the world."

The rainbow flag will be raised the day before "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Day" in Syracuse.

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