House Republicans are pushing for legislation that would ban flags other than the American flag from flying at federal buildings, aiming to codify a “One Flag For All” policy.
At a Glance
- The “One Flag For All Act” would prohibit flags other than the U.S. flag at federal buildings
- Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) reintroduced the bill in response to pride flags flown under Biden
- Exemptions include POW/MIA, state, armed forces, and visiting diplomat flags
- The bill aims to codify Trump’s “One Flag Policy” banning BLM and LGBT pride flags
- Critics argue the ban is petty, while supporters say it upholds American values
Republicans Revive Efforts to Ban Pride Flags
House Republicans are making a renewed push for the “One Flag For All Act,” legislation that would prohibit the display of any flag other than the American flag above federal buildings. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), comes in response to the Biden administration’s practice of flying pride flags at government facilities.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a standardized flag policy that enshrines the American flag as the exclusive emblem representing national ideals and unity across federal properties. Exemptions to the ban include the POW/MIA flag, state flags, armed forces flags, and flags of visiting diplomats.
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) March 24, 2024
The bill has garnered support from notable GOP figures, including Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who stated, “Never again should a flag that promotes radical gender ideology be flown, draped, or displayed outside the White House or any other federal building. The American flag is our nation’s symbol and should be the primary flag proudly flown over government property.”
Critics argue that the ban is unnecessary and divisive. Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, commented, “Banning Pride and other flags is just petty and mean-spirited. Flying such flags is simply a signal to people that they matter. It hurts no one. We have much bigger challenges to address as a nation and this is just a small-minded distraction from them.”
They don’t get it, do they?
The push for this legislation aligns with a broader Republican campaign to uphold traditional American symbols. It follows recurring disputes over the display of pride flags on public facilities, which have been particularly prominent during President Biden’s tenure.
The bill’s introduction comes amid a wider trend of similar measures at various levels of government. In Florida and Huntington Beach, California, local measures have sought to ban Pride flags and other non-governmental banners from public buildings.
