The British Foreign Secretary has ordered British embassies not to fly any rainbow flags to mark pride celebrations.
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has ordered British embassies not to fly any rainbow flags to mark upcoming pride celebrations in the United Kingdom the Daily Mail reports. Unlike last year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall will also not be allowed to fly a rainbow flag.
Hammond, who voted against 2013’s same sex marriage legislation was appointed Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister David Cameron in July of last year.
Before Hammond was made Foreign Secretary, numerous embassies, including Paris, Oslo, Tel Aviv and Santiago, flew the rainbow flag.
The decision has been met with criticism from GLBT rights charity Stonewall who called the decision “hugely disappointing”
“Pride events celebrate and recognize the diverse LGBT community, and flying the flag demonstrates a commitment to supporting this community.”
“We know the rainbow flag has been welcomed and flown with pride in the past, and hope this decision will be reconsidered.” Stonewall said in a statement.
Article | Levi Joule.
