Did Ogunquit require police officers to wear gay pride patches?

According to the town’s police chief, the decision whether to wear the pride patch was voluntary.

Ogunquit police Chief John Lizanecz wrote in a June 1 Facebook post that, in honor of Pride Month, “all officers will again proudly wear” LGBTQ+ pride patches throughout June.

“Each officer has voluntarily chosen to participate in this gesture of support for our community members and visitors,” Lizanecz wrote. “We are dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.”

Ogunquit’s reputation as a gay-friendly destination dates back to a pivotal protest in May 1975, when demonstrators gathered outside Valerie’s restaurant and bar to demand acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ patrons.

The Ogunquit Police Department employs 11 full-time officers, plus a handful of part-time officers, according to the department’s 2024-25 budget presentation to the town Budget Review Committee.