Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) introduced a bill to make sure only the American flag is flown at U.S. embassies.
The Old Glory Only Act “prohibits any flag other than the American flag from being flown over American embassies or consulates,” according to Duncan’s website.
“Our beautiful flag, Old Glory, should be the only flag flying and representing our country over our diplomatic and consular posts worldwide,” Duncan said in a statement.
He added, “The American flag is a beacon of liberty, and no other flag or symbol better portrays our shared values than the Stars and Stripes. It is important to ensure that Old Glory only is flown at American embassies to represent our ideals abroad.”
I'm proud to have written this bill. The only flag that should be representing the American people is the flag of the United States of America. https://t.co/a3inNuGcBj
— Rep. Jeff Duncan (@RepJeffDuncan) January 11, 2023
Others celebrated the bill on Twitter.
House Members introduce a bill that would only allow US embassies to display the American flag, banning Pride and BLM flags.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 12, 2023
Good! ??
Weird this wasn’t already a thing https://t.co/j6sAXZPUTU
— E (@ElijahSchaffer) January 12, 2023
Finally.
— Carla Sands (@CarlaHSands) January 12, 2023
GOP Bill Allows Only American Flag Flown Over U.S. Embassies and Consulates | https://t.co/lKH7YJBkCU https://t.co/njDgvVYzkP
The website pointed out the legislation was originally introduced after a State Department official put a rainbow flag up over a South American embassy a few years ago.
Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously directed all U.S. embassies and consulates overseas to fly the BLM flag on the official flagpoles.
In May 2021, Blinken made the authorization ahead of the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
A memo obtained by ABC News at the time stated U.S. diplomatic posts are “strongly encouraged” to use resources “to promote policy objectives to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities.”
It includes support for using “the term ‘Black Lives Matter’ in messaging content, speeches, and other diplomatic engagements with foreign audiences to advance racial equity and access to justice on May 25 and beyond,” as the outlet reported.
Blinken said in a video message the U.S. can only be a “credible force for human rights around the world” if it addresses “the realities of racism and hatred here at home.”
He explained, “We can’t sweep our shortcomings under the rug or pretend they don’t exist. We need to face them openly and honestly, even if that’s ugly — even if that’s painful.”
