White House Condemns Republican-Led Provision in Government Funding Bill Limiting Embassy Flag Flying, Effectively Banning LGBTQ Flags
The White House strongly criticized congressional Republicans for including a provision in the government funding bill that restricts which flags can be flown above US embassies, effectively banning the display of LGBTQ flags.
In a statement issued on Sunday, a White House spokesperson expressed disapproval towards the manipulation of the essential process to keep the government operational by incorporating this policy that targets LGBTQI+ Americans. The spokesperson also confirmed that President Biden had opposed the inclusion of this policy and would continue advocating for its repeal with Congress.
The measure, negotiated by congressional appropriators, permits only specific flags to be hoisted over US embassies. These include the US flag, US Foreign Service flag, POW/MIA flag, Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, the official branded flag of a US agency, state flags, insular area or DC flags, Indian tribal government flags, and the sovereign flag of another nation.
The provision, however, does not impose restrictions on what flags can be displayed elsewhere on embassy grounds or in offices. Human Rights Campaign spokesperson Brandon Wolf clarified that the flag provision would allow pride flags to remain present almost everywhere at embassies, except when flown above the building exterior. He also characterized Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance as an attempt to appease a base with a disastrous agenda.
Despite the rejection of embassy Pride flag requests under the Trump administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized US diplomatic missions to raise the Pride flag above embassies and consulates worldwide in 2021. Numerous US embassies fly the Pride flag during the month of June, celebrated as Pride Month in both the United States and other countries.
The White House spokesperson further noted that the administration had successfully prevented over 50 other policy provisions targeting the LGBTQ community from being inserted into the legislation during negotiations. The spokesperson reiterated President Biden’s dedication to championing LGBTQI+ equality domestically and internationally.