Rainbow Pride Flag to be flown statewide in June
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 120 June 1, ordering that the Rainbow Pride Flag be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol and all state buildings in June, in celebration of Pride Month.
“The Rainbow Pride flag is a symbol of our state’s commitment to celebrating and supporting LGBTQ Wisconsinites, and is emblematic of the history of the community, and the hard fought battles to be seen and heard, and to live fully, with dignity and respect,” said Evers. “It’s also a sign of our future, the progress we have yet to make and the more inclusive, more just, state we will build, together.”
The raising of the Rainbow Pride flag marks the third time the flag will fly over the Wisconsin State Capitol. Evers ordered the flag to fly over the building for the first time in Wisconsin state history, in June of 2019. As was the case in the past, the Rainbow Pride flag will not disrupt other flags that regularly fly over the State Capitol building.
The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the east wing flagpole, above the Rainbow Pride flag. The POWMIA flag will continue flying on the north wing flagpole, as it does every day.
In addition to signing Executive Order 120, the governor also signed two additional executive orders, relating to LGBTQ issues.
Executive Order 121 directs the Evers Administration cabinet agencies to use genderneutral language whenever practicable in external documents, including, but not limited to: using gender-neutral terms and pronouns, drafting to eliminate the need for pronouns, omitting superfluous gendered words and making any reference to gendered family relations.
Evers also signed Executive Order 122, which requires the Department of Health Services, Department of Corrections, and the Department of Children and Families, to take appropriate steps to expressly disallow payment of state and federal funds allocated by their respective agencies, for conversion therapy for minors. Numerous medical associations and professional organizations oppose the practice of conversion therapy, and according to research conducted by the Family Acceptance Project, adolescence conversion efforts contribute to higher risks of depression and suicide for LGBTQ youth.
“In addition to celebrating the resiliency and joy of the LGBTQ community, Pride also offers an opportunity for us to reflect on how the state and our communities can be better allies,” said Evers. “These executive orders today recognize the work we have to do as a state to protect, support and celebrate all LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our kids, and ensure our state is a safe, inclusive and just place, where every person has the resources and support to thrive.”
