The three rainbow flags at Midgard Viking Center were initially to be hung up in the month of pride in June. But after the shooting in Oslo on the night of June 25, it was decided that the flags would hang up for a few extra days. – It was our way of marking our support for those affected around the shooting in Oslo, says communications consultant Therese Grande in the Vestfold Museums of which Midgard Viking Center is a part. – I have no words But on the night of July 4, some of the lines cut on three flagpoles. The flags were also stolen, says Grande. The rainbow flags were to symbolize diversity, democracy and tolerance in front of the center, which conveys knowledge about the Viking Age. – It’s absolutely awful. I have no words, because this is an important celebration this year, especially because it is Skeivt kulturår, says Grande. Communication consultant Therese Grande in the Vestfold Museums says the theft of the rainbow flags must be reported. Photo: Mekonnen Wolday A crooked cultural year is marked because it is 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalized in Norway. At half-mast This is not the first time the flags have been allowed to rest in peace at the Midgard Viking Center. A few weeks ago, someone had flown the rainbow flags on a half pole, says Grande. – Probably not everyone agrees that we fly the flags. They were probably looking to express their opinion about it, I think, says Grande. She does not know that other museums have experienced anything like this. She says the rainbow flag has been left alone at the Slottsfjell Museum in Tønsberg. This is what it looked like before the rainbow flags were stolen and the flag lines cut off. Photo: Aina Beate Indreiten / news But for the most part, the Midgard Viking Center has only received positive feedback that they mark pride, she says. – People think it’s nice that we mark it this way and especially these days considering what happened in Oslo. On Monday, they were also offered a rainbow flag by a private individual. Want tips The theft of the flags must be reported. The police currently have no suspects in the case. – We would like tips from people if they have information or observations of the theft, says crime boss Jan Frode Johannessen in Horten. The rainbow flags were not allowed to hang up as long as planned at Midgard Viking Center in Horten. Photo: Midgard Viking Center. Hope the flags come up again It is Borre Vel who hangs flags on the flagpoles of the Midgard Viking Center. Leader Kjell Arne R. Brudvik reacts to the fact that someone has removed the flags. Leader Kjell Arne R. Brudvik in Borre Vel thinks it is sad that the flags have not been left alone. Photo: Private – I think it’s sad. One would hope that one had come a little further in 2022 than what one now sees the results of. One should all strive to have a society that cheers for diversity and a tolerant society, says Brudvik. He says it is not up to him whether it will be flagged with rainbow flags next year, but he hopes that they will come up.
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Rainbow flag should show extra consideration – was cut down – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
