Politics

US Embassies Banned From Flying LGBTQ Pride Flag

MAR 25 2024·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: US Embassy Canada/Flickr [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

A provision that limits which flags are permitted to fly over US Department of State facilities, which was included in the $1.2T spending bill that passed Saturday, has effectively banned embassies from flying LGBTQ Pride Flags.
The Hill
Under the legislation, the appropriated funds can only be "obligated or expended" to fly specific flags, such as the American flag and the sovereign flag of other countries.
The Washington Examiner
This reverses a State Department authorization issued in 2021 [under Secretary Antony Blinken] for US diplomatic missions worldwide to display pride flags. Additionally, the bill shuts down the non-partisan House Office of Diversity.
Forbes
Pride flags, which were first flown at US embassies during the Obama administration, have reportedly been a source of controversy between Republicans and Democrats. In 2019, the Trump administration banned them.
FOX News
On Sunday, the White House pledged to work to repeal this provision, reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQ rights and highlighting its success in preventing the inclusion of over 50 other alleged anti-LGBTQ policies.
CNN
As part of this bipartisan spending package that funds three-quarters of federal agencies until the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30, some money has been earmarked for LGBTQ-related projects.
Bloomberg.com

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

It was inappropriate for Republican lawmakers to include policies targeting LGBTQ Americans in this government spending bill that was necessary to keep the government running. Inclusion and LGBTQ equality are key issues for the Biden Administration, and the White House will continue its efforts to repeal this ban on flying Pride flags at US embassies.

The Pinknews

Republican narrative

Pride flags have no place being flown above US Embassies. As any other government building, diplomatic missions should display only official flags, instead of promoting ideologies such as the LGBTQ agenda. This ban doesn't limit personal expression or attack any identity group but rather emphasizes that taxpayer dollars should not be used to promote political speech.

Florida Phoenix