Chris Kluwe
A late-night Orange County city council meeting last week saw free speech prevail after “MAGA Mike,” Councilman Mike Munzing, proposed banning all but the American flag in Aliso Viejo.
The Wednesday meeting drew a large crowd opposing the measure. After six hours and 164 dissenting speakers, including former NFL player and equality advocate Chris Kluwe, Munzing’s effort to restrict flags, particularly the Pride flag, ended when he reportedly tore up the proposal in anger.
Kluwe told the council, “This is not what America’s about… I do not want the American flag to stand for hatred and discrimination, and flying the Pride flag shows people that we understand that.”
Other residents echoed strong disapproval, calling Munzing “mean” and “pathetic.” Despite initial support from two other council members, the backlash led to the proposal being revised mid-meeting.
Ultimately, Munzing’s flag ban was defeated 5-0, celebrated by cheers and a standing ovation.
