The US government under Joe Biden has communicated to its embassies all over the world to fly the Gay Pride flag on the same flagpole as the U.S. flag in support for LGBTQ rights.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a blanket authorization for U.S. diplomatic outposts around the world to fly the Pride flag, a move that is in start contrast to Trump's administration State Department which was run by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
In diplomatic cables sent to diplomatic posts around the world, Blinken
gave authority for diplomats to fly the Pride flag before May 17, which
marks the international day against homophobia, transphobia, and
biphobia, as well as June, which in the United States and many other
countries is Pride month.
The cable contained a clause though, saying the authorization is not a
must 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.”
During the Trump era, the State Department blocked embassies’ requests
to fly the flag on the same flagpole as the U.S. banner. Diplomats were
told they could display Pride symbols elsewhere in embassies.
In 2019, then-Vice President Mike Pence defended Trump's move, telling
NBC News in an interview that “when it comes to the American flagpole
and American embassies and capitals around the world, one American flag
flies.”
All U.S. diplomatic missions require prior written approval from senior
State Department leadership in Washington to fly any flag from the same
halyard as the U.S. flag, with the exception of a foreign service flag
or a prisoner of war/missing in action flag. In accordance with U.S.
law, such flags are to be flown under the U.S. flag.
During his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Blinken vowed to
stand up for LGBTQ rights, including allowing embassies to fly the Pride
flag and swiftly appointing a special envoy once confirmed as President
Joe Biden’s secretary of state.
“I think the United States playing the role that it should be playing in
standing up for and defending the rights of LGBTQI people is something
that the department is going to take on and take on immediately,”
Blinken said in January this year.
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