How have US missions shown support for Pride? The ban has been backed by prominent evangelical Trump supporter Franklin Graham, who on Sunday tweeted that the gay pride flag was 'offensive to Christians and millions of people of other faiths'.Įarlier this month an unnamed diplomat told the Washington Post there was a 'category one insurrection' against the rainbow flag ban. Mr Pence, an evangelical Christian, opposes gay marriage and has a history of supporting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. 'We're proud to be able to serve every American,' Mr Pence told NBC, but 'when it comes to the American flagpole, and American embassies, and capitals around the world, one American flag flies.' The Trump administration has appointed several gay ambassadors and Mr Trump has made a statement celebrating Pride month. He said there were no restrictions on pride flags elsewhere on the buildings. On Tuesday Vice-President Mike Pence said the ban was the 'right decision'.
Before this year embassies had routinely hoisted the flag - but this year they were required to seek approval from the state department, which reportedly refused all requests.
