In a bold celebration of Pride Month, President Joe Biden’s administration has found itself at the center of a controversy. The White House unveiled a display featuring a rainbow-colored Pride flag flanked by two American flags, which has sparked backlash. Twitter users, including Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, argue that the display violates the U.S. Flag Code, specifically U.S. Flag Code §7. (e), which mandates the American flag be positioned at the center and highest point of any grouping of national flags or pennants.
Flag code violation: pic.twitter.com/1eQk1rmObA
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) June 11, 2023
The display, prominently showcased during Biden’s Pride Month celebration at the White House, aimed to honor and recognize the achievements and contributions of the LGBT community. The event brought together performers and speakers who represented various LGBT causes, all hailed as “the bravest and most inspiring people” by both President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
However, critics on Twitter contend that the administration’s display disregards the U.S. Flag Code and, in doing so, disrespects the American service members buried under its colors. Fitton accused Biden of violating a basic tenet of the Flag Code, stating that the American flag should be placed at the center and highest point when multiple national flags or pennants are displayed.
The controversy surrounding the Pride Month display has gained traction on social media, with Twitter users expressing their dissatisfaction and calling for adherence to the U.S. Flag Code. It is worth mentioning that the U.S. Flag Code is a set of guidelines and suggestions rather than legally enforceable regulations. While it provides instructions for the respectful display and handling of the American flag, the Code does not carry any legal penalties for non-compliance.
Nonetheless, the debate surrounding the Pride Month display highlights the sensitivity surrounding the American flag and its proper usage, particularly when combined with other flags or symbols. Critics argue that the placement of the American flag on the sides of the Pride flag undermines its symbolic significance and violates established protocols.
I’ve never hated a month so much in my life, constantly being bombarded every 5 minutes with propaganda from the White House on who people want to have sex with.
I’m tired of the constant parading of sexuality. There’s no reason to be uplifting the pride flag to the same… pic.twitter.com/bGEiA16TfT
— Alexandra Lains (@realalexlains) June 12, 2023
As this controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the backlash and whether any adjustments will be made to the display in question.
REPORTER: “There’s been some criticism of the White House — the pride flag violating the U.S. flag code. Did anybody notice that?”
KJP: “The administration was proud, again, to display the pride flag. It was a historic event. It centered around love and family.” pic.twitter.com/Ll7Xls5SI8
— Clown World ™ 🤡 (@ClownWorld_) June 13, 2023
