Wisconsin Capitol flies LGBT pride flag for first time in state history

An LGBT pride flag flew over the Wisconsin State Capitol for the first time on Friday in recognition of Pride Month.

Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed an executive order to fly the flag over the east wing of the state capitol building for the rest of June in honor of Pride Month.

“The Rainbow #Pride Flag is raised over the Capitol building in Madison for the first time,” he wrote in a message posted to Facebook that included video of the flag being raised over the state capitol.{mosads}

Evers said in his executive order that displaying the rainbow flag “sends a clear and unequivocal message that Wisconsin is a welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can live without fear of persecution, judgement, or discrimination.”

Democrats hailed the move, but it was criticized by some Republicans.

The state’s Democratic Party tweeted, “Are you as proud as we are to have a Governor that shares our values?”

Are you as proud as we are to have a Governor that shares our values? #Pride #PrideMonth #Pride2019https://t.co/ZlahAAtTpE

— Democratic Party WI ️‍ (@WisDems) June 7, 2019

State Rep. Scott Allen (R) questioned whether flying the flag was “any more appropriate than erecting the Christian flag over the Capitol.” 

Is this any more appropriate than erecting the Christian flag over the Capitol? #religious https://t.co/r7o2vcZ401

— Scott E. Allen (@scotte_allen) June 7, 2019

The Pride flag is raised above the Wisconsin State Capitol for the first time. pic.twitter.com/gHgMX9N05B

— Molly Beck (@MollyBeck) June 7, 2019 

New York also flew the pride flag over its state capitol for the first time this week. Pride Month is celebrated annually in June.