President Joe Biden has signed a $1.2 trillion government funding bill that includes a provision prohibiting the display of LGBTQ pride flags at U.S. embassies worldwide. The provision, tucked into the 1,012-page bill passed to fund the government until September, garnered support from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, known for his conservative Christian beliefs.
The provision states, “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or expended to fly or display a flag over a facility of the United States Department of State other than the United States flag; Foreign Service flag pursuant to 2 FAM, POW/MIA flag, Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, pursuant to section 904 of title 36, United States Code, flag of a State, insular area, or the District of Columbia at domestic locations, flag of an Indian Tribal government, official branded flag of a United States agency or sovereign flag of other countries.”
The White House has announced its intention to challenge the ban, with the Biden administration vowing immediate efforts to overturn the specific clause. A White House spokesperson stated, “The Administration fought against the inclusion of this policy and we will continue to work with members of Congress to find an opportunity to repeal it.”
Democratic Texas Rep. Greg Casar voiced strong opposition to the provision, labeling the Republican threat to shut down government services over flag display as “laughable.”
Republican Florida Rep. Cory Mills expressed disappointment over the policy, suggesting that the focus on diversity by Democrats through flag displays creates division rather than inclusion.
