The US Pentagon will be keeping in place a Trump-era ban on Pride flags being flown on military bases.
During the Trump administration, a policy was implemented to limit the type of flags displayed at military facilities. The Pride flag along with the Confederate flag and some others were banned in military bases in July 2020.
But in light of June being Pride month, an exception will not be made, the Pentagon has stated.
Pentagon Press secretary John Kirby confirmed the decision to reporters on Friday, per The Hill:
"After some careful consideration, the department will maintain the existing policy from July 2020 regarding the display or depiction of unofficial flags so there won’t be an exception made this month for the Pride flag.
"This in no way reflects any lack of respect or admiration for people that [are from] the LGBTQ+ community, the personnel in and out of uniform who serve in this department. We are proud of them."
According to the publication, in July 2020, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper put in place a comprehensive flag policy, with the intention of banning the Confederate flag without specifically naming it. Esper had branded such flags "divisive" in department memos.
However, while the rule ousted hate symbols from military bases, it also banned flags of sports teams and the Pride flag.
A review was conducted into the issue and Pentagon officials decided to maintain the policy as eradicating it might lead to "other challenges," Kirby added.
The State Department will not be following suit, and, indeed, Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized the display of Pride flags at diplomatic embassies in April.
A number of people have since taken to Twitter to slam the Pentagon's decision to retain the policy, with one person referring to it as "disgusting".
Another added: "So the leaders of our supposed almighty military are afraid of gay people? Gee that makes me feel safe."
Another argued: "Fly them at ALL American military bases if you care about these human rights at all."
As per Pentagon policy, the flags which are allowed to be flown at military bases include POW/MIA flags, US state flags, flags of military units, and those that belong to allied nations.
