The decision was taken unanimously by the Huntington Beach City Council on Monday night, where it decided to officially recognise June as LGBTQ Pride month and fly the rainbow flag for six weeks each spring, reports said.

"The agenda item submitted by Mayor Kim Carr and Councilman Dan Kalmick passed 6-0, with Councilman Erik Peterson absent from the meeting," reported Daily Pilot.

Downtown Huntington Beach. Photo: I, Toksave/Wikipedia

"The flag will be raised at City Hall on May 22 each year — Harvey Milk Day — and stay up through the end of June," it added.

Mayor Kim Carr, who has spoken in favour of LGBTQ rights and making Surf City a city of inclusion, said her proposal received overwhelming support through e-mails.

"I think we here as a city need to continue to voice that we are a welcoming, inclusive community that embraces all," Carr said.

Several other members of the council also spoke about the support they have received over the years.