The flag was flying above where the governor's office is located in the Capitol. Scott Walker in November, said in an executive order that the rainbow flag has become an important symbol for the LGBTQ community and publicly displaying it "sends a clear an unequivocal message" that in Wisconsin "everyone can live without fear of prosecution, judgment, or discrimination." "Singling out one group that has inordinate political power is wrong and is disrespectful to, at a minimum, those who take exception to the LGBT agenda."Įvers, who defeated conservative Gov. "Would the Governor authorize the Christian flag to be flown over the capitol or a Nazi flag or any number of other flags representing all sorts of Wisconsin citizens and their beliefs?" Appling said in a statement. Julaine Appling, the group's president, said Evers was proclaiming one group over another. Wisconsin Family Action, a conservative group that worked to ban gay marriage in the state before courts overturned the prohibition, called the raising of the flag "a flagrant abuse of gubernatorial power."
The only cause that the Capitol flags should represent is fifty states united in one republic." "The governor's action today is in no doubt a statement to advance a cause. "The US and Wisconsin flags are flown over us as unifying symbols for all Wisconsinites," Craig tweeted. David Craig joined Allen in criticizing the move.
"We are showing that we are a welcoming and inclusive state and that means a great deal."ĭozens of people stood outside the Capitol's east wing Friday afternoon and cheered as the flag was raised on a pole just below the U.S. "This is a very welcoming sign to many of us and it signifies a new direction for Wisconsin," Carpenter said in a statement thanking Evers. Tim Carpenter, one of five openly gay state lawmakers. Therefore, it is divisive."ĭemocrats praised the raising of the flag, including Democratic state Sen. Scott Allen, who tweeted, "Is this any more appropriate than erecting the Christian flag over the Capitol?"Īllen, who describes himself on Twitter as "Child of God/Family Man," said in a follow-up message to The Associated Press that the rainbow flag "advocates a behavior or lifestyle that some Wisconsin residents may not condone. Tony Evers ordered the raising of the flag to recognize June as "Pride Month." The move drew a fast rebuke from state Rep. The flag flap erupted after Democratic Gov. Flying a gay pride rainbow flag over the Wisconsin state Capitol for the first time Friday drew backlash from conservatives, including a pair of state lawmakers, who said it was divisive, while Democrats hailed it as a sign of inclusivity. Scott Allen, who tweeted, "Is this any more appropriate than erecting the Christian flag over the Capitol?" Democrats praised the raising of the flag. The flag flap Friday erupted after Evers ordered the raising of the flag to recognize June as "Pride Month." The move drew a fast backlash from state Rep. Flying a gay pride rainbow flag over the Wisconsin state Capitol for the first time is drawing backlash from a conservative Republican lawmaker who said it was divisive. Tony Evers talks to reporters during a lame-duck legislative session in Madison, Wisconsin. FILE-In this Tuesday, April 9, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin Democratic Gov.