Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #120 on June 1, ordering that the Rainbow Pride Flag be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol during the month of June in celebration of Pride Month.
The Rainbow Pride flag began flying over the East Wing of the State Capitol building at noon on June 1 and will end at sunset on June 30. Additionally, Executive Order #120 authorized state buildings and any jurisdiction of the state of Wisconsin to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag during the month of June. The governor also signed two additional executive orders relating to LGBTQ issues.
“The Rainbow Pride flag is a symbol of our state’s commitment to celebrating and supporting LGBTQ Wisconsinites and is emblematic of the history of the community and the hard fought battles to be seen and heard, and to live fully with dignity and respect,” said Governor Evers. “It’s also a sign of our future, the progress we have yet to make, and the more inclusive, more just state we will build, together. I am glad to extend this tradition statewide in encouraging communities and all of our state buildings to celebrate Pride and the diversity, resilience, and joy of LGBTQ individuals across our state.”
The raising of the Rainbow Pride flag marks the third time the flag has flown over the Wisconsin State Capitol. Governor Evers ordered the flag to fly over the State Capitol building for the first time in Wisconsin state history in June of 2019. As was the case in the past, the Rainbow Pride flag would not disrupt other flags that regularly fly over the State Capitol building. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East wing flagpole above the Rainbow Pride flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North wing flagpole as it does every day.
“In addition to celebrating the resiliency and joy of the LGBTQ community, Pride also offers an opportunity for us to reflect on how the state and our communities can be better allies,” added Governor Evers. “These executive orders today recognize the work we have to do as a state to protect, support, and celebrate all LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our kids, and ensure our state is a safe, inclusive, and just place where every person has the resources and support to thrive.”
In addition to signing Executive Order #120, the governor also signed two additional executive orders relating to LGBTQ issues.
Executive Order #121 directed Administration cabinet agencies to use gender-neutral language whenever practicable in external documents, including but not limited to: using gender-neutral terms and pronouns, drafting to eliminate the need for pronouns, omitting superfluous gendered words, and making any reference to gendered family relations.
Executive Order #122 requires the Department of Health Services, Department of Corrections, and the Department of Children and Families to take appropriate steps to expressly disallow payment of state and federal funds allocated by their respective agencies for conversion therapy for minors. Numerous medical associations and professional organizations oppose the practice of conversion therapy and according to research conducted by the Family Acceptance Project, adolescence conversion efforts contribute to higher risks of depression and suicide for LGBTQ youth.
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