Saskatoon votes to hoist rainbow flag

City councillors in Saskatoon havevoted to let the rainbow flag fly.

The rainbow is meant tosymbolizediversity and inclusiveness for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgenderpeople. The flag has been banned in Russia, with laws passed prior to the Sochi Winter Olympics prohibiting the spread of so-called gay propaganda.

While homosexuality is legal in Russia, athletes competing in Sochi may be arrested if they speak about same-sex rights, or display any pride-related symbols.

Members of Saskatoon's Avenue Community Centre for Gender andSexual Diversityurged the city to join the provincial legislature and other Canadian cities in hoisting the rainbow flag at city hall.

Moose Jaw and Regina have also opted to flythe rainbow flag at their respective city halls for the duration of the Olympics.