White House vows to repeal GOP-led ban on Pride flags over U.S. embassies
Washington PostApr 02
US Embassies Banned From Flying LGBTQ Pride Flag
story
Image copyright: 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.
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 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.
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.
