Pride Flags Banned from United States Embassies
By Sassafras Lowrey
At the end of March, a bipartisan spending bill was passed in Congress that will keep the government funded through the end of September. Although the passage of the bill averted a government shutdown, it had some significant hidden consequences when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. Namely, the bill bans the flying of pride flags at United States embassies. The $1.2 Trillion government funding package was signed by President Biden despite the inclusion of a ban on flying anything other than a limited named types of flags at US Embassies. While this is a step backwards for the LGBTQ+ community, things could have been worse. It has been reported that there were upwards of 50 other policy riders that were specifically aimed at the LGBTQ+ community being pushed by Republicans in Congress.
Some people might wonder why this is such a big deal, after all why does it matter where pride flags are flown? But pride flags aren’t just a fun thing to fly in June. Pride flags are a symbol of LGBTQ+ community, our struggle for equality, and represent a culture of inclusiveness. The presence of pride flags helps others who may not (yet) be out, or who cannot safely be out feel safer. To specifically outlaw them being flown sends a clear message that those in power who supported this ban are pushing an agenda rooted in homophobia and transphobia.
Pride Flags & Embassies
The specific wording of the bill doesn’t mention pride flags by name, instead, it bans the flying of any flag that is not the US Flag, the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, the POW/MIA (prison of war/missing in action) flag, a state flag, a flag of an Indian Tribal government, or another country’s flag. While pride flags are not specifically mentioned, it was and is generally understood that the LGBTQ+ community were targeted. This is because Pride flags have become controversial when it comes to embassies over the past few years. President Trump’s administration banned US Embassies from flying pride flags in 2019 after they began being flown during the Obama administration. Then, In 2021 President Biden’s administration reversed this and made a commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community here in the United States and abroad including flying pride flags from embassies. Although it’s disturbing that once again US Embassies won’t be able to fly Pride flags, it’s important to recognize the reach of this ban is limited. The flag clause of the bill only speaks to flags flying at embassies but does not limit the flying of pride flags at other government buildings.
The Fight Continues with Or Without the Flag
Although President Biden pushed for Congress to pass the bipartisan spending bill, and it was widely considered a solid compromise between congressional Democrats and Republicans, the bill had significant flaws which the Biden administration says they recognize. In a statement to media after the bill was signed, it has been made clear that President Biden believes that it was problematic and inappropriate for some Republican congresspeople to have included the flag ban in the spending bill, and that there is a commitment to work with Congress to repeal that aspect. The White House also made clear that the flag ban has no impact on the rights LGBTQ+ people have to be out in embassies, and to celebrate Pride at work. It remains to be seen what the Biden administration will be able to do to repeal this aspect of the spending bill. I remember well a time not very long ago when it would never have occurred to me that any government building would fly a pride flag, or that anyone in power inside would have our back. It is a concerning and frightening step backwards for congressional Republicans to have felt embolden to include this kind of language in the spending bill.
This is a setback and should be a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ people and our allies to keep pushing forward to fight for rights and representation.
About the Author
Sassafras Lowrey’s novels and nonfiction books have been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association to the Lambda Literary Foundation and the Dog Writers Association of America. Sassafras’ work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. Sassafras has taught queer writing courses and workshops at LitReactor, the NYC Center For Fiction and at colleges, conferences, and LGBTQ youth centers across the country. You can find more of Sassafras’ written works, including an edited collection exploring LGBTQ+ youth homelessness entitled Kicked Out, at www.SassafrasLowrey.com.
