By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy
Tactical

LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: February 13, 2025 6:11 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published February 13, 2025
Share
SHARE

Veterans Affairs officials this week unveiled new rules banning LGBTQ Pride flags and other unofficial banners at department offices and spaces, saying the move will bring “consistency” to agency messaging.

In a memo released late Wednesday evening, VA Secretary Doug Collins said the new policy would limit the display of all flags except for the American flag at all VA facilities. Exceptions include the display of state flags, military service flags, U.S. agency flags and the POW/MIA flag.

The guidance applied to “public displays or depictions of flags by VA employees in all VA facilities, workplaces, buildings, common areas and public areas,” to include personal cubicles, government vehicles and any space “in public or plain view.”

RELATED

Collins’ order specifically rescinds past VA directives allowing the display of the LGBTQ Pride flag during Pride Month, traditionally observed in June.

“This policy will bring consistency and simplicity to the display of flags throughout the department, which I expect to have a singular focus: serving the needs of veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors,” Collins wrote in the memo.

The policy does not apply to veterans gravesites or museum pieces, or historical and education displays operated by the department. The rules state that such flags will be allowed “where the display or depiction cannot reasonably be viewed as an endorsement of the flag by the department.”

The policy mirrors flag rules already in place at the Department of Defense. The Confederate flag and flags of foreign countries are also banned from display in offices under the order as written.

However, a separate National Cemetery Administration directive still in place does allow “flags of the former Confederate States of America” to be placed on gravesites and displayed at VA cemeteries in states that recognize a Confederate Memorial Day.

Republican lawmakers in recent years have unsuccessfully tried to prohibit VA officials from allowing LGBTQ Pride flags to be flown at department buildings, calling it political posturing that could discourage some veterans from seeking care.

VA leaders in the Biden administration argued the opposite, saying it showed an effort by the bureaucracy to be more inclusive.

Last month, at least 60 Veterans Affairs employees were placed on administrative leave following the closure of multiple diversity, equity and inclusion offices across the department, part of a government-wide crackdown on the issue.

Collins wrote in the memo that the new rules should not be interpreted as ignoring or rejecting any groups of veterans.

“All veterans and VA beneficiaries will always be welcome at all VA facilities to receive the benefits and services they have earned under the law,” he said.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

VA secretary nominee promises more medical care options and upgrades

House Dem introduces bill to reinstate veterans after federal layoffs

Sink ships, get Scotch: An officer’s spirited revenge for Pearl Harbor

Rifle Roundup: Henry Lever-Action Rifle with a Bushnell Riflescope

Air Force defers NGAD decision to Trump administration

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Trump admin pulls Jared Isaacman’s nomination for NASA administrator, replacement to be announced ‘soon’
News

Trump admin pulls Jared Isaacman’s nomination for NASA administrator, replacement to be announced ‘soon’

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 1, 2025
Gavin Newsom proposes $2,000 asset eligibility test to control soaring state Medi-Cal costs
Line45 Live
Brain cancer patient DJ Daniel faces 3 new tumors after inspiring President Trump, law enforcement
Sydney Sweeney breaks silence on split from fiancé after 3-year engagement
Elizabeth Hurley’s debut with Billy Ray Cyrus, Jennifer Lopez’s daring dress mark week of red carpet moments
Dodgers star Mookie Betts sustains freak toe injury while walking to bathroom
News

Dodgers star Mookie Betts sustains freak toe injury while walking to bathroom

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey May 31, 2025
Poll: Overwhelming Majority of Americans Demand Big Pharma ACCOUNTABILITY for Vaccine Injuries
Prepping & Survival

Poll: Overwhelming Majority of Americans Demand Big Pharma ACCOUNTABILITY for Vaccine Injuries

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey May 31, 2025
Scottie Scheffler breaks out in laughter after Peyton Manning’s errant tee shot reportedly hits house
News

Scottie Scheffler breaks out in laughter after Peyton Manning’s errant tee shot reportedly hits house

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey May 31, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?