California State Capitol flies rainbow flag, defying Trump administration

For the remainder of Pride month, California will fly a rainbow flag above its capitol building. The move is a direct defiance of the Trump administration.

On Monday (17 June), the rainbow flag was raised above the capitol. It is the first time in the state’s history it flies alongside the American and Californian flags.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who gave the initial order, tweeted about it.

For the first time in our state’s history, the Pride flag has been raised at our State Capitol!! pic.twitter.com/j37udcMTZ9

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 17, 2019

‘In California, we celebrate and support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community’s right to live out loud – during Pride month and every month,’ Newsom added in a statement.

‘By flying the pride flag over the State Capitol, we send a clear message that California is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of how you identify or who you love.’

Other states, like Wisconsin and New York, also decided to fly a Pride flag above their capitol buildings.

These actions stand in opposition to the Trump administration rejecting US embassies’ requests to fly the Pride flag this month. Though Vice President Mike Pence confirmed and defended this policy, many embassies decided to fly the flag anyway.

See also

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