In a “one flag only” policy memo obtained by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered all U.S. embassies to restrict flags flown to Stars and Stripes.
With some exceptions—POW & MIA flags, among a few others—no other flags will be flown at those bases, per the order sent by Rubio.
American policy dictating displays of LGBTQ Pride flag at U.S. embassies has fallen predictably along party lines, as LGBTQ Nation‘s Alex Bollinger reports:
Rainbow flags flying at embassies has been a point of contention for years between Republican and Democratic administrations, with Democrats arguing that the U.S. has a duty to promote human rights abroad while Republicans oppose considering LGBTQ+ people’s rights human rights. In 2023, House Republicans proposed a bill to ban rainbow flags and Black Lives Matter banners at embassies, with Rep. Greene calling such symbols ‘Hate America flags’ in a statement.
In March 2024, President Biden agreed to a $1.2 trillion spending bill (which averted a government shutdown) that included GOP-authored language to restrict displayed flags, effectively banning Pride flags. Rubio cited that bill in his memo.
SOURCES
- Fortune
- LGBTQ Nation
- Ken Klippenstein on Twitter
