Nonprofit Groups File Lawsuit Against National Park Service for Removal of Pride Flag at Stonewall National Monument
Several nonprofit groups have come together to take legal action against the National Park Service (NPS), the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for the recent removal of the pride flag at Manhattan’s Stonewall National Monument. The flag, which had been proudly flying at the site since its installation in 2016, was taken down earlier this month without any explanation or warning. However, after widespread backlash and public pressure, the NPS returned the flag to its rightful place just days later.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the Gilbert Baker Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the LGBTQ+ rights activist who created the iconic rainbow flag, as well as other nonprofit organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, National LGBTQ Task Force, and GLAAD. Together, they are taking a stand against the NPS’s decision to remove the pride flag, which they believe was a clear act of discrimination and a violation of the First Amendment.
The Stonewall National Monument, located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, commemorates the historic Stonewall riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The monument was designated by former President Barack Obama in 2016, making it the first national monument to recognize LGBTQ+ history. The pride flag, which was raised at the site during the dedication ceremony, has been an important symbol of inclusivity and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and visitors from all over the world.
The removal of the pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument has sparked outrage and disappointment among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Many have expressed their concerns over the NPS’s actions, stating that it goes against the values of equality and diversity that the United States stands for. The flag’s removal also came during Pride Month, a time when the LGBTQ+ community celebrates their identities and advocates for their rights.
In a joint statement, the plaintiffs of the lawsuit have made it clear that they will not stand for this act of discrimination and will fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. They stated, “The rainbow flag symbolizes the principles of love, acceptance, and equality, and its removal from the Stonewall National Monument is a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community. We will not allow this blatant act of discrimination to go unnoticed and unchallenged.”
The NPS has yet to provide a reason for the removal of the pride flag, stating only that “no flags are allowed to be flown on National Park Service flagpoles except for the United States flag and the park-specific flag.” However, this rule has been challenged in the past, with the NPS allowing the pride flag to be flown at other national monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order for the NPS to allow the pride flag to be flown at the Stonewall National Monument and to declare the NPS’s flag flying policy as unconstitutional. They are also calling for an explanation as to why the flag was removed in the first place and for the NPS to publicly apologize for its actions.
The pride flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a powerful symbol of acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Its removal from the Stonewall National Monument has sent a message of exclusion and discrimination, which goes against the very ideals that the monument represents. The lawsuit filed by these nonprofit groups is a crucial step in standing up against this injustice and ensuring that the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are protected.
The Stonewall National Monument belongs to all of us, and it is a reminder of the progress we have made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the work that still needs to be done. The pride flag is a vital part of this monument, and it must continue to fly high to honor the struggles and the triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. We stand with the plaintiffs in their fight for justice, and we urge the NPS to do the right thing and allow the pride flag to fly freely at the Stonewall National Monument.
