Jun 11, 2019

Pence defends ban on Pride flags flying on U.S. embassy flagpoles

Rebecca Falconer

Vice President Mike Pence delivers a keynote address during Access Intelligence's Satellite 2019 Conference and Exhibition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. — Vice President Mike Pence. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Vice President Mike Pence defended a State Department ban on flying the rainbow flag on U.S. embassy flagpoles during the LGBTQ Pride Month of June, telling NBC News Monday night "it's the right decision."

Details: Asked whether the policy "runs counter" to President Trump's tweet supporting Pride Month, Pence said: "We both feel that way very passionately, but when it comes to the American flagpole, and American embassies, and capitals around the world, one American flag flies."

The big picture: The vice president — who has a history of taking a stance against LGBTQ rights largely on the grounds of religious freedom — told NBC News there were "no restrictions" on rainbow flags being displayed elsewhere on American embassy premises.

Go deeper: U.S. embassies find loopholes to celebrate Pride Month

Add Axios on Google

Pence defends ban on Pride flags flying on U.S. embassy flagpoles

What to read next