GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Christmas tree that displayed support for the LGBTQ+ community was recently taken down at a public library in Gallatin, Tennessee.

The library has more than 20 Christmas trees on display around the building. Each tree is sponsored and decorated by different organizations. 

This year, one of the trees — which was decorated with Pride colors — garnered attention on social media and was quickly taken down at the direction of County Mayor John Isbell.

He told NewsNation affiliate WKRN the tree broke the decoration policy. For example, trees with political statements were not allowed.

However, some residents believe the tree’s removal was done with deep meaning.

“A lot of this does seem like it’s not about the trees. It seems like it’s a lot more about what the trees represent,” said Abby Bowers, a former Gallatin resident. 

“I think a lot of people were really upset that, especially at Christmas time, that something like this would happen,” said Hilary Lounder, a concerned resident. “It kind of makes our county appear that we’re not inclusive and accepting, and that’s the farthest thing from the truth.” 

“I’d like to say this was really shocking, but it really wasn’t. My understanding is, Christmas is supposed to be to celebrate Jesus’ love for everybody. So it seems kind of counterintuitive to remove the tree,” Lounder continued. 

The pride tree was dedicated to the “Major Minors youth chorus”, a branch of Nashville in Harmony, which is Tennessee’s first musical arts organization specifically created for people of all sexual orientations and identities. 

However, the organization told WKRN they did not sponsor the tree themselves. A parent did so anonymously. 

The organization said they are “disappointed” by the tree’s removal. They added their mission is “bigger than any object or symbol” and that they “will continue to use our music to build community and create social change in Middle Tennessee.”

Meanwhile, Isbell confirmed that he ordered the tree be removed, “to prevent further escalation of tensions.” 

In a statement, the Sumner County Mayor’s Office wrote, in-part: 

“The decision comes after careful consideration of the tree’s association with a political statement, which has raised significant concern with the community and violated the terms of their agreement to place the tree.”

WKRN asked for a copy of the policy that was used for the decision to take the tree down, but has yet to receive it as of publication.