"The rainbow flag in front of the town hall is a message and a clear sign that our city is colorful and diverse. People of different origins, cultures, religions, lifestyles and sexual orientations live here. Tolerance and openness are the fundamental characteristics of our urban society. We are convinced that diversity enriches us." emphasizes Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel.

The date of the IDAHOBIT was chosen to commemorate May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to remove homosexuality from its diagnostic code for diseases. At its meeting on February 22, 2022, the Salzgitter City Council decided by a large majority that the rainbow flag will be hoisted annually on IDAHOBIT.