The rainbow flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. But there's a debate brewing in Parsons, Kansas over whether to honor its creator on city property. The backlash was swift. It started at a Parsons city commission meeting last November.The pride flag was the creation of Gilbert Baker, who graduated from Parsons High School in 1969. Nearly a decade later, he created the pride flag. Baker died in 2017. One of his classmates, Les Hammett, suggested a tribute for him."Some small plaque, maybe we could put a flagpole there," Hammett said.The commission responded positively."To me, it's a wonderful opportunity for the recognition so deserved," one commissioner responded.But soon the issue was tabled."This is not the cause of every citizen of Parsons, and I don't believe it's the cause of the majority of citizens of Parsons," one man told the commission."I went out and I talked to people and 99% of them do not want that flag to fly on city property," commissioner Kevin Cruse said."Where do you draw the line at? are we going to put that Nazi flag up there if somebody wants it up there? Are we going to put a confederate flag up there?" another commissioner said."I'm not aware any of his wealth or works was used to support this community," one resident said."Gilbert Baker did things for people everywhere," said Lauren Shepard, a Parsons resident. "I think it's a huge, missed opportunity for the city. I literally think Parsons should be like Gilbert Baker City, USA," Shepard said.This weekend, Shepard and her friends made their own memorial of sorts to Parsons' native son by asking businesses to display the flag and showing pride flags downtown."If we don't like how something is in the community, wherever it is you're at, work to change it," Shepard said.Commissioners have told the Class of 1969 to design a memorial and return with their plans. Shepard believes the idea will ultimately have enough support. The Gilbert Baker Foundation responded to the comparison between the pride flag with Nazi or confederate flags, saying the pride flag is a symbol of liberation and hope. "Unfortunately, in some cities and countries where LGBTQ organizations have flourished for years, there seems to be a growing backlash about the open expression of this symbol."