ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said she and the entire city council agreed placing the rainbow flag, also known as the Gay pride flag, on City Hall downtown Thursday was the right thing to do.

"The council decided we should fly the flag," said Manheimer. "Some people call it the rainbow flag or the freedom flag, to show our support for this monumental moment in North Carolina history."

The federal judge in Greensboro had yet to make the final ruling Thursday to allow same sex marriage. But Manheimer said she expected Buncombe County's Record of Deeds to issue same sex marriage licenses by Monday.

Manheimer said the huge flag that was donated to the city for use, sends a message.

"The majority of Asheville's population is supportive of marriage equality," said Manheimer.

"I think this is amazing that we have a liberal council that would take an advocacy position like this as elected officials," said Carl Mumpower who served on Asheville's Council in the early 2000s.

"Can you imagine if we had seven confederates, and if they wanted to put a confederate flag up there how wrong that would be," said Mumpower. "Or me, as a christian, if we had seven christians who said let's put a christian flag up there."

Alan Glines, a 17-year employee of the city said, for him, the flag had tremendous meaning.

"I feel excited about it," said Glines. "I've worked of the city 17 years, and we expect Asheville to be in the forefront of change and welcoming diversity. So, this is something that represents that when I see it up there."

Mayor Manheimer said the flag will remain up through Friday.

by Kimberly King
Follow Kim on Twitter @KimKingReports

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