Vandals slashed the word “Pride” out of four LGBTQ rainbow flags at Mullica Hill Pond in Harrison Township sometime between June 24 and 25, according to police, who are seeking the public’s help in identifying the culprits.
The banners showcased the words “Harrison Pride” – along with colors symbolizing the LGBTQ community – and were meant to symbolize the township’s solidarity with that community during June’s Pride Month.
“This act is a clear violation of our local Criminal Mischief and Destruction of Public Property Ordinances and potentially violates state laws related to bias intimidation,” said Mayor Louis Manzo. “This appalling act is not representative of our community, and we have received numerous messages and inquiries expressing outrage and disgust as word of the vandalism spread.
“This incident also serves as a reminder that hateful minds still exist, and simply ignoring it actually enables this behavior,” he added. “Your town leadership condemns this mindset, and we will not ignore it. We ask that you do the same in your circle of influence.”
Despite the vandalism, recent studies have shown a majority of Americans oppose discrimination against the LGBTQ community. A 2022 survey by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago found that of 1,003 adults in the study, 84% oppose the use of religious objections to LGBTQ health care by doctors, 74% are opposed to employers who refuse to hire an LGBTQ person and 71% are opposed to businesses that refuse to serve them.
New Jersey also has its share of general bias incidents, according to state police. Last year, 2,178 cases were reported, with the total from January to May of this year at 1,062.
Harrison police are investigating the Pride flag vandalism in conjunction with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, where residents can find a bias incident reporting form. Anyone with information can contact Det. Sergeant Andrew Thomas at (856) 478-6839 or leave an anonymous tip on the police department’s website.
