Spending bill prohibits U.S. embassies from displaying Pride flag, according to new government decree

President Biden’s recent $1.2 trillion government funding package contains a controversial provision banning the flying of LGBTQ Pride flags over U.S. embassies. Even as the President signed the package, the White House expressed opposition to this aspect of the bill and vowed to work towards its repeal. The provision was one of many sides included in the expansive package, intended to fund the government through September.

The ban on flying the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ equality, was reportedly leveraged by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson in securing votes for the bill within his party. Regardless, the White House expressed intent to undo the ban and affirmed Mr. Biden’s commitment to advocating for LGBTQI+ equality domestically and internationally.

While unable to prevent the flag ban proposal, the White House claims to have successfully defeated over 50 policy riders that attacked the LGBTQI+ community, which the Republicans tried to introduce into the legislation. Despite the prohibition, the Biden administration maintains that LGBTQI+ community members can still serve openly at U.S. embassies and participate in Pride celebrations.

The state funding package’s language prohibits using U.S. funding to fly or display any flag over U.S. Department of State facilities, except the U.S. flag or flags tied to government actions, POWs, MIA soldiers, hostages, or wrongfully imprisoned Americans. However, the Biden administration contends that the ban doesn’t extend to showcasing Pride flags elsewhere within embassy grounds or offices, leaving some leeway for LGBTQI+ representation.

The Biden administration’s stance represents a significant shift from the previous administration’s policies regarding LGBTQ rights. Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, has encouraged U.S. missions to fly the rainbow flag during Pride month, in contrast to his predecessor, Mike Pompeo, who demanded only the U.S. flag be flown. This change aligns more with former President Obama’s administration’s actions, such as lighting the White House in rainbow colors following the legalization of same-sex marriage.