Pride flags can no longer be flown at U.S. embassies. The ban was part of a $1.2 trillion spending package signed by President Biden on Saturday.
“The bipartisan funding bill I just signed will keep our government open, invest in the American people, and strengthen our economy and national security,” Biden said in a press release. “This agreement represents a compromise, meaning both sides got everything they wanted.”
A Republican-led document included in the 1,012-page package states: “All funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act shall be used to fund or display the flag on U.S. State Department facilities. shall not be obligated or expended.”
Flying the Pride flag at U.S. embassies has been a topic of debate between Democrats and Republicans for years. The flights first took place at the U.S. embassy during the Obama administration, and were later banned by the Trump administration in 2019, according to Forbes magazine. This flight capability was reinstated by the Biden administration in 2021, Forbes reports.
Biden’s press secretary did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment, but in a statement to CBS News on Saturday: ” According to CBS News, the White House said it would explore ways to repeal the ban.
The move came as no surprise to lawmakers and LGBTQ advocates.
Human Rights Campaign spokesperson Brandon Wolfe said in a statement Friday that it “imposes no restrictions whatsoever on other displays of the Pride flag, the ability to host LGBTQ+ events, or the ability of embassy staff to display the Pride flag in their work spaces.” Not,” he said.
FOX News’ Julia Johnson contributed to this report.
