Rainbow Flag Removed from Ministry of Culture; Former Minister Calls it Symbolic Gesture

The rainbow flag, which had been displayed outside the Ministry of Culture during June for the past four years, has been removed. The ministry, now led by Minister Ignacija Fridl Jarc following the new government's formation, explained its decision by stating that state institutions must maintain political and ideological neutrality.

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We removed the rainbow flag because we believe the Ministry of Culture must represent all citizens and all cultural creators, regardless of their personal beliefs, identities, or worldviews.

"We removed the rainbow flag because we believe the Ministry of Culture must represent all citizens and all cultural creators, regardless of their personal beliefs, identities, or worldviews," the ministry stated in response to STA. They emphasized that state institutions should primarily express themselves through their work, programs, and legal duties. The ministry added, "We respect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and no one questions them. However, we believe that supporting individual social or political movements is not the task of state symbols and state institutions."

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We respect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and no one questions them. However, we believe that supporting individual social or political movements is not the task of state symbols and state institutions.

The Slovenian and European Union flags remain displayed in front of the ministry, symbolizing all citizens without distinction. The ministry aims to be a space for culture, dialogue, and respect for everyone, regardless of personal circumstances or beliefs, rather than a source of division. The previous minister, Asta Vrečko, drew attention to the flag's removal in parliament, interpreting it as a symbolic gesture suggesting that respect for all may not be the primary focus of the current government.

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The removal of the rainbow flag from the Ministry of Culture building is also understood as a symbolic gesture that respect for all, in her opinion, will not be the priority of this government.