The Trump administration has officially banned the display of the Pride flag and other flags associated with left-wing activities at U.S. embassies and outposts.
As first reported, washington free beaconThe U.S. State Department has adopted a “One Flag Policy” order that allows only the Stars and Stripes to be flown inside U.S. facilities.
“Beginning immediately, only the U.S. flag may be flown or displayed on U.S. facilities domestically or abroad, and may be featured in U.S. government content,” the order states.
“The flag of the United States unites all Americans under the universal principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. These values, past and present, are the foundation of our great nation. Shared by all Americans, the American flag is a powerful symbol of pride, and it is appropriate and respectful to fly and display only the American flag on American facilities at home and abroad. be.”
This instruction contains two exceptions. One is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag and the other is the Illegal Detainer flag, which can be flown under the American flag if both are flown on the same flagpole.
State Department employees found to have violated the One Flag Policy “face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, or reassignment to their home agency.”
The policy was adopted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate on January 20.
Mr. Rubio’s order signals that the State Department is adhering to promises made by President Donald Trump on the campaign trail last fall.
President Trump has already issued a series of executive orders eliminating diversity initiatives and programs in government agencies, including the State Department.
On Wednesday, the White House issued a memo to all federal agencies staffing them. DEI office The plan is to eventually lay off these people, while also providing them with paid time off.
The Pride flag was first flown at the U.S. embassy during former President Barack Obama’s administration, but was later banned during the Trump administration.
The Biden administration reversed course and allowed the rainbow flag to be flown on American property overseas.
The policy change infuriated conservatives, who accused Biden of pandering to left-wing causes and political movements.
The presence of the Pride flag fluttering outside the embassy has raised concerns not only from Republicans in Congress but also from host country governments, particularly those where same-sex intimacy is a crime, as governments crack down on displays of LGBTQ visibility. angered the governments of countries where they live or where same-sex marriage is illegal. .
Biden also came under fire for flying the Pride flag next to the American flag instead of underneath it during the campaign. pride month celebrations At the White House in 2023.
The Biden administration has also hoisted or displayed “Black Lives Matter” flags at U.S. embassies in some cases, another move that drew ire from conservatives.
According to reports newsweekthe U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Brazil raised the flag to commemorate Black History Month in February 2022. The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago also displayed a “Black Lives Matter” flag.
To curb what they consider abusive behavior, Congressional Republicans introduced the One Flag for All Act. This bill would have made it illegal to display, fly, or display the flag next to the Stars and Stripes in government buildings.
Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, said: newsweek The policy is a form of virtue signaling to those with anti-LGBTQ hostility.
“Banning Pride and other flags is just a mean and mean act,” he said. “Having a flag like that is just to tell people that it’s important. It doesn’t hurt anyone.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
