Trump Administration Approves Permanent Raising of Rainbow Flag at Stonewall Monument

In a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates, the Trump administration has consented to the permanent re-installation of the rainbow flag at the Stonewall National Monument. This decision comes after the flag was controversially removed in February, following a directive from the U.S. National Park Service that generally banned the display of non-U.S. flags. The move had drawn sharp criticism from various LGBTQ+ organizations and local officials, who viewed it as a rollback of protections and visibility for the community.

The agreement was reached as part of a settlement in a lawsuit initiated by the Washington Litigation Group. The legal team argued that the rainbow flag is an integral part of the Stonewall National Monument's historical context, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The government's acknowledgment of this historical significance is a key aspect of the resolution.

Alexander Kristofcak, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "The government has recognized what we argued from the beginning: the rainbow flag belongs at Stonewall. The flag will return and will be officially and permanently flown." The settlement also allows for unofficial flags to be displayed in certain contexts, provided they align with the historical significance of the site. This development marks a symbolic triumph for the LGBTQ+ community, affirming the enduring legacy of the Stonewall Uprising and the ongoing struggle for equality.

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The government has recognized what we argued from the beginning: the rainbow flag belongs at Stonewall. The flag will return and will be officially and permanently flown. We will ensure the government upholds the agreement.