Gov. Evers announces rainbow Pride flag to be flown at Wisconsin State Capitol
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- June is Pride Month and to celebrate Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order the rainbow Pride flag will be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol for the month.
Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #120 on Tuesday, June 1. This is the third time the flag has flown over the capitol.
The flag will fly over the East Wing of the State Capitol. It was raised at noon on Tuesday and will end at sunset on Wednesday, June 30.
The executive order also authorizes state buildings any jurisdiction in the state to fly the Pride flag during the month. He 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 Gov. 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 today 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.”
Gov. Evers also signed Executive Order #121 which directs Evers Administration cabinet agencies to use gender-neutral language whenever practicable in external documents. This includes drafting to eliminate the need for pronouns and omitting superfluous gendered words.
Gov. Evers also signed Executive Order #122 which 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 conversation therapy for minors," officials say.
“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,” said Gov. 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.”