TL;DR
- Tom Tiffany opposes the Pride flag at the Wisconsin Capitol.
- He insists only the American and state flags should fly.
- Tiffany’s stance reflects a broader anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
- LGBTQ+ advocates argue for visibility and recognition.
- The Pride flag will remain through June.
In a move that has many shaking their heads, Rep. Tom Tiffany, the likely Republican nominee for governor of Wisconsin, has made it crystal clear that he wants to banish the Progress Pride flag from the state Capitol. Tiffany, who represents northern Wisconsin, believes that only the American and Wisconsin flags deserve to flutter above the building, claiming it’s all about unity. But let’s be real—this is more about division than anything else.
Just hours after the Progress Pride flag was raised to kick off Pride Month, Tiffany took to social media to reaffirm his campaign pledge to remove it if he wins the governorship. “If I’m governor, we’re going to fly two flags, the United States flag and the Wisconsin state flag, and that’s it,” he declared, as if the mere presence of a rainbow flag could somehow tear the state apart. Newsflash, Tom: LGBTQ+ folks are part of Wisconsin, too.
In a podcast appearance, he criticized current Democratic Governor Tony Evers for allowing multiple flags to fly over state property, saying, “Let’s not tear them apart as he has been doing.” Oh, please. This isn’t about tearing anyone apart; it’s about acknowledging the existence and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals who live, work, and pay taxes in Wisconsin. Tiffany’s rhetoric is part of a larger conservative trend across the nation where Pride flags are being targeted in a bid to erase LGBTQ+ visibility.
During a March radio interview, Tiffany made his position abundantly clear: only the American and Wisconsin flags should wave proudly over the Capitol. He’s not just talking about the Pride flag; he’s taking aim at any flag that represents diversity and inclusion. This is part of a broader effort by conservatives to restrict Pride flag displays in public spaces, with supporters claiming that only official state and national symbols should be allowed. But LGBTQ+ advocates argue that Pride flags are not partisan statements; they are affirmations that LGBTQ+ people belong in their communities.
It’s not just about flags, either. Tiffany’s record shows a consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ rights legislation. He voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which aimed to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, and he also opposed the Equality Act, which sought to add protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various sectors. So, it’s clear where he stands.
As the Pride flag continues to fly over the Capitol through June, LGBTQ+ advocates are not backing down. They are ready to fight for visibility and recognition in the face of Tiffany’s divisive politics. The message is clear: Pride is about love, acceptance, and belonging, and no amount of political posturing can change that. So, let’s keep that rainbow flag flying high, Wisconsin. It’s not just a flag; it’s a symbol of resilience and community.