Flag dispute between two federal ministries: The so-called Progress rainbow flag has been waving in front of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs since the anniversary of “Christopher Street Day” on June 28 – although the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), which is responsible for displaying flags on federal buildings, has previously stated in writing that it was not authorized gives for it.
On Tuesday, both ministries confirmed a corresponding report from “Caution, Reichelt!”, the YouTube channel of the former “Bild” editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt.
The progress rainbow flag contains additional stripes in several colors applied in a triangular shape and an additional dot. Among other things, it should also stand for the interests of trans and inter people.
In a letter dated April 6 to ministries, the Bundestag and Bundesrat, among others, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) approved the hoisting of the traditional rainbow flag on federal buildings.
On June 13, the SPD-led ministry then sent another letter to the Green-led Family Ministry. According to the BMI, it was pointed out “that the hoisting of further logo flags is not covered by the BMI letter of April 6, 2022 and cannot otherwise be approved”.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Family Affairs said on the question of why this flag was hoisted instead of the rainbow flag: “As the Ministry of Equal Opportunities, we are proud to hoist the Progress rainbow flag this year to show a special solidarity with all trans and inter people. With this, the house expresses unequivocally that it stands up for all queer people.” According to the information, the flag will continue to fly in front of the ministry until July 29th.
