Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the controversy surrounding the U.S. State Dept.’s ban of the gay pride flag, which for nearly a decade has flown at U.S. embassies around the world during LGBTQ pride month.
The Trump administration this year banned the flag from flying on flagpoles at U.S. embassies. In years previous, since the Obama-era and even in the first years of the Trump administration, flying pride flags was allowed.
Pence praised Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a right wing conservative Christian, for banning the LGBT flag. He told NBC News’ White House correspondent Kristen Welker, “it’s the right decision.”
“As the president said on the night we were elected, we’re proud to be able to serve every American,” the Vice President continued, after Welker pressed him on the issue.
“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,” Pence said.
State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus says Secretary Pompeo “respects the dignity of every individual,” but he does not believe other flags should fly alongside the American flag at embassies.
Reports came in over the weekend of a “revolt” at several U.S. embassies, who have chosen to fly the LGBT pride flag in other areas of the U.S. compounds, including on walls.
Ortagus insisted that was not in violation of the ban.
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