NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. - Video captured North Brookfield Board of Selectmen Chair Jason Petraitis taking down Pride flags from land near the town common. The nonprofit Rural Justice Network had set the flags up while doing interviews for a news story.

"Three of us were filming with NBC News about the pride event and how important small town Prides are," said RJN's president Tashena Marie.

What You Need To Know

  • Small Town Pride in North Brookfield is scheduled for this Saturday

  • Rural Justice Network, who is organizing the event, said a selectman can be seen on video removing pride flags from town land

  • Organizers said the flags were placed for a news story, and were described as "litter"

  • The event has received backlash in recent months over a planned drag show

Marie filmed the encounter with Petraitis. The selectman would go on to say in the video the flags would need to be approved by the town.

Marie said even if the town had the right to remove them, describing the flags as "litter" was uncalled for.

"I don't know what the word is except for, it seemed so hateful," Marie said. "Unfortunately, that's the best word I can use to describe it."

"Feels like a strong double standard when you see the two flags, when you see the American flag and the Pride flags, were in the same area," said RJN's Rosangeline Fleming. "Like, there's never an issue Veterans Day or Memorial Day or whenever there are state flags."

Petraitis did not respond to a request for comment.

Small Town Pride, which will take place in town Saturday, received backlash from members of the community because of a planned drag show. Selectmen first approved the event, they then said it could go without the drag show, before coming back and to say they couldn’t prevent it.

There have also been petitions to cancel the show, but team members at RJN say they're relieved it's finally here.

"It's going to be great," Marie said. "It's going to be a great event. It's probably going to be the biggest year we've had, which I'm also ok with."

Heading into Saturday, the event's organizers are now trying to look at the positives which came from this situation. Marie's wish is it gives a message of hope to other pride fests who may be facing similar obstacles.

"You might have to take a step back and rest, but you always have to come back," said Marie. "You always have to be willing to come back and speak out and speak up."

RJN said they have been in contact with local police about keeping the event as safe as possible. They said they have not received any credible threats, but they are preparing for protesters at the common during the event.