Biden Administration Bans LGBTQ+ Pride Flags at U.S. Embassies to Secure Spending Bill
The Biden administration has agreed to a controversial spending bill provision banning LGBTQ+ Pride flags at U.S. embassies, a move aimed at averting a government shutdown.
- The ban on LGBTQ+ Pride flags at U.S. embassies is part of a $1.2 trillion spending deal to keep the federal government operational through September 30.
- The prohibition targets all 'political' flags, including Black Lives Matter flags, but allows exceptions for POW/MIA and wrongful detainee flags.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key proponent of the flag ban, touts it as a victory for Republicans, emphasizing the need to focus on American values.
- Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ community members, denounce the ban as discriminatory and a step backward for inclusivity.
- The flag ban is temporary, expiring with the funding deal on September 30, and does not restrict embassy officials' personal use of pride flags.
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