Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wants to make sure the Pride flag can never be removed again from the Stonewall National Monument.
Schumer announced new legislation that would permanently authorize the Pride flag to fly at Stonewall, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, after the Trump administration directed its removal.
The administration said the flag was not a congressionally authorized flag. Schumer called the move “deeply outrageous” and said Congress must act to reverse it.
“Stonewall has stood as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community – a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of those before us who fought for the rights they deserve. Stonewall is sacred ground and Congress must act now to permanently protect the Pride flag and what it stands for,” Schumer said.
He added, “Trump’s hateful crusade must end. The very core of American identity is liberty and justice for all – and that is what this legislation would protect: each national park’s ability to make their own decision about what flag can be flown. Attempts to hurt New York and the LGTBQ+ community simply won’t fly, but the Stonewall Pride flag always will.”
Schumer is introducing the legislation with U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. The bill would designate the Pride flag as an authorized flag under federal law and express the sense of the Senate that it should fly at Stonewall.
“Stonewall is a landmark because it is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and symbols of that legacy belong here by both history and principle,” Schumer said. “New Yorkers are right to be outraged, but if there’s one thing I know about this latest attempt to rewrite history, stoke division and discrimination, and erase our community pride it’s this: New Yorkers will see to the flag’s return and we will ensure it remains.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Authorizing the Pride flag in federal law is about more than symbolism, it’s about permanence. It sends a clear message that LGBTQ+ history is not subject to political whims and that our visibility cannot be stripped away.”
Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “I am thankful for Senator Schumer and Representative Goldman for providing strong leadership in DC that sends the signal, LGBTQ history must always be remembered and any attempt to roll back progress will be met with all our strength.”
Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, said the Pride flag represents generations of Americans who fought to be seen and protected. “With Senator Schumer’s leadership, that work begins anew today,” she said.
Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, said, “Our history and legacy cannot be erased.”
Kenn Kid of the Gilbert Baker Foundation thanked Schumer for pushing for congressional recognition of the rainbow flag, which Gilbert Baker created in 1978. “It is reassuring to know that our elected officials in New York support the idea that hope is for everyone, and that inclusion is a bedrock of our democracy,” Kid said.
Schumer has previously pushed for LGBTQ+ protections, including support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2022.
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