weddings since 2011, to fly the rainbow flag for gay weddings.The venue and a coalition of local businesses condemned the decision and comments, declaring themselves ‘bitterly disappointed’ and ‘absolutely shocked’.At the meeting on Monday, August 16, Independent councillor Mr Shrimpton, who is in his 80s, said: ‘I’m happy about the flag being flown during Pride Week.‘I’m not very keen on calling same-sex weddings weddings.‘When you’re talking about same-sex weddings, you’re not talking about weddings.’Gay marriage was recognised in legislation in the UK in 2013.Mr Shrimpton’s remarks sparked anger in the coastal town’s LGBTQ+ community.Garry Ormes, chair of the Essex Pride group, described Shrimpton’s views as ‘archaic’ and said they.