(Washington) Congress is set to ban US embassies from flying the rainbow flag, the emblem of the LGBT community, on their flagpoles, a victory for conservatives.
The measure is part of a long-term cultural battle between Democrats and Republicans.
It was introduced into the US federal budget, a more than 1,000-page text that elected officials unveiled Thursday morning.
The bill stipulates that only star flags, American flags and official flags can receive funding to fly official flagpoles for embassies.
During Donald Trump's presidency, Diplomacy Chief Mike Pompeo ordered that only the American flag fly at the embassy's flagpoles, sparking strong protests from the LGBT community.
Joe Biden, in office since 2021, has made defending sexual minorities a strong focus of his diplomacy. His Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, not only authorized but encouraged US missions to fly the rainbow flag in June, Pride Month.
But the Democratic president, barring any major surprises, must authorize the ban announced on Thursday, because it is included in a text that must be approved at all costs by the end of the week, for budgetary reasons.
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