Wis. governor orders LGBT flag to fly over Capitol; Ill., Minn. expected to do same

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin has ordered the flying of the LGBT Pride flag over the state Capitol in Madison. The progressive first ordered the Pride flag raised over the historic seat of government in 2019 and again in 2020.

Last year, Evers said of his Pride executive orders, “Wisconsin is a proud state that recognizes that diversity makes our communities and our state stronger.”

The rainbow flag will fly over the Capitol square on June 1—the start of LGBT Pride month in the U.S. It will remain there until sunset on June 30.

A ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Capitol entrance near Main and King Streets.

Evers' staff say the Pride flag will not affect the other flags flown over the Madison behemoth—the U.S. flag, the Wisconsin, flag, and the black and white POW-MIA flag.

Conservative Republicans once again said that the action is divisive and flies in the face of those who believe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender 'lifestyles' are a contradiction to their Christian beliefs.

Evers and Democrats however, say that the act sends a signal to all Wisconsinites that LGBT people are part of the state. As an historically oppressed group, it sends a message that they deserve civil rights—just like any other citizen of Wisconsin.

Evers' act is especially prescient as the Republican-led legislature intends to pass laws that will deprive transgender youth from playing in public school athletics with cohorts of the same gender identity.

There is also movement toward legislation that will make it difficult for transgender youth to receive health care interventions that will help them fully experience their proper gender identity—even with doctor and family support for transition. 

In Illinois, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker also ordered the Pride flag raised over the Capitol building in 2019. The flag was from Springfield-based The Phoenix Center, an LGBT organization serving central Illinois.

In Minnesota, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz flew the Pride flag in 2019 over the governor's residence at Summit Avenue, St. Paul.

“While we still have work to do, I will always keep fighting to ensure all Minnesotans live free from discrimination,” Gov. Walz said at the time.