House Republicans Propose Law To Standardize Flag Displays Nationwide

House Republicans reintroduce the One Flag For All Act, aiming to limit flag displays at federal buildings to just the American flag.

Quick Takes

The One Flag For All Act would prohibit flying any flag other than the U.S. flag above public buildings.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) reintroduced the bill in response to the White House flying the pride flag under President Biden.
Exemptions include the POW/MIA flag, state flags, armed forces flags, and flags of visiting diplomats.
The bill aims to codify Trump’s “One Flag Policy,” which banned flags like Black Lives Matter and LGBT pride flags from U.S. government buildings.
A bipartisan spending bill includes a provision that would effectively ban LGBTQ Pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies.

Republicans Push for American Flag Exclusivity

House Republicans are reviving efforts to ensure that only the American flag flies above federal buildings. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee has reintroduced the One Flag For All Act, a piece of legislation that would prohibit the display of any flag other than the Stars and Stripes at government facilities. This move comes in direct response to the Biden administration’s decision to fly the pride flag at the White House.

The bill, which is gaining traction with a GOP trifecta and support from Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, seeks to establish a law that formally designates the American flag as the exclusive symbol of national unity and values on government buildings. Harshbarger argues that the American flag should not be overshadowed by other flags, as it represents core national values.

Exceptions and Implementation

While the legislation aims to limit flag displays, it does include several notable exceptions. The POW/MIA flag, state flags, armed forces flags, and flags of visiting diplomats would still be permitted. This nuanced approach attempts to balance the desire for national unity with respect for specific groups and diplomatic protocols.

“The Left is never going to stop at anything to do what they think is right. So if you get this codified into legislation, this bill will keep—the only thing you can fly on things like federal public buildings will be the American flag.” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger

The proposed legislation aligns with a previous spending package signed by President Biden, which restricted the use of funds to fly non-American flags at State Department facilities. This suggests a bipartisan acknowledgment of the issue, although interpretations and motivations may differ across party lines.

Broader Implications and Reactions

The One Flag For All Act is part of a larger trend of similar measures being implemented or considered at various levels of government. In Florida and Huntington Beach, California, local authorities have sought to ban Pride flags and other non-governmental banners. These efforts reflect a growing debate about the appropriate use of symbols in public spaces and the role of government in promoting or limiting certain expressions.

Senator. Roger Marshall said, “Never again should a flag that promotes radical gender ideology be flown, draped, or displayed outside the White House or any other federal building. The American flag is our nation’s symbol and should be the primary flag proudly flown over government property.”

Critics of these measures argue that they limit expression and inclusivity, while supporters maintain that they uphold traditional values and national unity. The debate surrounding the One Flag For All Act highlights the ongoing cultural and political divisions in the country, as well as differing interpretations of what the American flag represents.