The leader of Carmarthenshire County Council has intervened in the debate on the Rainbow Flag by instructing officials to fly the banner over County Hall in Carmarthen this weekend in support of the LGBT+ community.

The council's cross party group on constitutional matters (CRWG) had decided against amending the authority's flag protocol, effectively enforcing a presumption against flag requests from any individual or organisation.

The vote taken earlier this week by Labour and Plaid Cymru councillors was unanimous.

Cllr Emlyn Dole said that the decision has since been "deliberately misinterpreted for political purposes" and in order to be "clear any misunderstanding" he has instructed the Rainbow Flag to be flown over County Hall this weekend.

Cllr Dole said: "Whist the cross-party committee of councillors decided against amending the authority's flag protocol, enforcing a presumptive rejection to all flag requests.

"I am concerned that the decision has been deliberately misinterpreted for political purposes, suggesting that Carmarthenshire County Council does not support and celebrate LBGT staff members and residents.

"Nothing could be further from the truth.

"In order to clear any misunderstanding, and to demonstrate our commitment to equality and the celebration of diversity, I have instructed council officers to fly the Rainbow Flag over County Hall this weekend.

"We can return to the formal process for amending the council's flag policy, at a later date, but as leader of the Council, I have taken to decison to fly the Rainbow Flag this weekend as an expression of Carmarthenshire County Council's support and solidarity with our staff and residents in the LGBT+ community."

Numerous councils across the UK have decided to fly the rainbow flag proudly in support of employees and the communities they represent as part of LGBT+ History Month.

The flag will fly today (Friday) and Saturday. 

The flag will then fly annually on May 17 as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.