Biden Admin Allows LGBT Pride Flag At Embassies On The Same Official Pole As American Flag
The administration of Democratic President Joe Biden has reportedly given “blanket authorization ” for the LGBT pride flags to be flown at US embassies and consulates around the world.
The rainbow flag — a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride — will be allowed to be flown on the same official flag poles carrying the American flag.
The new policy of the Biden administration repeals a decision by Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State during former President Donald Trump’s tenure at the White House.
Antony Blinken Allows LGBT Flag at U.S. Embassies & Consulates https://t.co/Mh1UAXYFHT
— Rifnote News Aggregates (@rifnote) April 23, 2021
Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement saying that US diplomatic outposts are given “blanket written authorization … to display the pride flag on the external-facing flagpole, for the duration of the 2021 Pride season,” according to an ABC News report.
News of the authorization was first reported by Foreign Policy magazine, which reported on a confidential cable sent by Blinken to US diplomatic posts around the world — the policy change reportedly sent out last week, a little more than a month before Pride Month is celebrated in June.
The move also comes ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17 according to reports.
The move also came despite the Biden administration acknowledging that the LGBT gesture could be seen as “inflammatory” in certain countries across the world, ABC News said.
“The cable contained a hedge, though, saying the authorization is not a requirement and chiefs of mission who run each embassy or consulate can choose whether to fly the Pride flag or showcase other symbols connoting support for LGBTQ rights based on what is ‘appropriate in light of local conditions,’” Foreign Policy said.
“As a matter of policy, the United States does not advocate for or against same-sex marriage abroad,” the confidential cable reportedly stated, adding that American outposts are encouraged to back “efforts to advance the fundamental freedoms of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”
“Discussions of same-sex marriage may result in backlash against LGBTQI+ communities in certain contexts hence posts should consult with local advocates on messaging and outreach on this issue,” it added.
Blinken defends Biden admin decision
Blinken has always been a champion of the LGBTQ community saying in his confirmation hearing in January, that the State Department will “quickly fill the empty position of LGBTI envoy,” which he noted as a “a matter, I think, of some real urgency.”
“I think the United States playing the role that it should be playing in standing up for and defending the rights of LGBTQ people is something that the (State) Department is going to take on and take on immediately,” Blicken said then.
In a comment provided to the New York Post on the policy reversal, the State Department reportedly said: “President Biden believes that America’s strength is found in its diversity. America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive.”
“Recognizing that each country context is different, U.S. embassies and consulates develop individual plans to raise awareness of violence, human rights abuses, and discrimination targeting LGBTQI+ persons, including appropriate exterior displays,” it added.
Mike Pence confirms, defends administration's LGBT flag policy – https://t.co/DwGL3p8Q8W pic.twitter.com/fsKJtjtluE
— Conserv_Institute (@ConsrvInstitute) June 12, 2019
In 2019, the department, then under Secretary Pompeo, disallowed embassies’ requests to fly the flag on the same pole as the American flag, although they were allowed to display the LGBT flag on other parts of the properties.
Then Vice President Mike Pence defended the Trump administration’s policy to not allow the sexuality-related flag to be flown next to the Old Glory saying this move is “one that promotes a united American people.”
“As the president said on the night we were elected, we’re proud to be able to serve every American,” Pence told NBC News then.
“We both feel that way very passionately, but when it comes to the American flagpole, and American embassies, and capitals around the world, one American flag flies,” he added.
