The choice was made as part of a US$1.2 trillion budget agreement that would keep the majority of US federal offices operational until September 30.
The pride flag’s presence at US embassies has drawn criticism from certain conservatives who view it as politically divisive.
As part of a US$1.2 trillion budget agreement to fund the continuation of most US government departments through September 30, President Joe Biden consented to prohibit US embassies from displaying the LGBTQ pride flag.
Tucked into the financing deal, House Speaker Mike Johnson has been touting the flag restriction as a Republican win, trying to build support for the policy within his own party.In a statement released on Thursday, the White House budget office supported the general agreement and encouraged quick passage. A request for comment regarding the flag provision was not immediately answered by the White House.
June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, several US embassies have flown the rainbow-themed pride flag.Social conservatives have taken issue with the pride banner’s display ever since certain embassies started doing so during Democratic President Barack Obama’s presidency. At US embassies, Republican President Donald Trump has outlawed displaying pride flags. Shortly after assuming office, the Biden administration promptly lifted the prohibition.
Conservatives have criticized US embassies for displaying politically controversial flags such as the Black Lives Matter and Pride flags, which are also prohibited by the law.Social conservatives have taken issue with the pride banner’s display ever since certain embassies started doing so during Democratic President Barack Obama’s presidency. At US embassies, Republican President Donald Trump has outlawed displaying pride flags. Shortly after assuming office, the Biden administration promptly lifted the prohibition.
Conservatives have criticized US embassies for displaying politically controversial flags such as the Black Lives Matter and Pride flags, which are also prohibited by the law.This ban of unapproved flags would only apply until the funding agreement expires on September 30.
After learning that an embassy in South America was flying a rainbow flag, Republican Representative Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, who has frequently proposed legislation to prohibit the flying of non-US flags at embassies, said he decided to take up the cause. Duncan dubbed the law he enacted the “Old Glory Only Act.”
