Pride Flag Reinstated at Stonewall National Monument After Brief Removal
New York City officials have reinstated a Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, just days after its removal under the Trump administration's oversight. The re-hoisting took place before a gathering crowd near the historic Stonewall Inn in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. This site is widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, following the pivotal 1969 police raid and subsequent uprising.
Background and Policy Explanation
The Pride flag's removal over the weekend aligned with a recent Interior Department memo. This memo generally restricts flags at parks to only US flags, agency flags, and the POW/MIA flag. While exceptions exist for flags that "provide historical context," the agency stated this policy has been in place for decades. Recent guidance, they noted, was merely to clarify its consistent application across National Park Service (NPS)-managed sites.
"Generally, only US flags, agency flags, and the POW/MIA flag are permitted at parks, with some exceptions for flags that 'provide historical context.'"
NYC's Strong Response
The initial removal sparked significant criticism within New York City. Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly denounced it as an "act of erasure." City council leaders, including Speaker Julie Menin and council members Chi Ossé and Justin Sanchez, promptly sent a letter to the National Park Service, expressing their deep concerns.
On Thursday, the city council passed a resolution urging Congress to formally acknowledge the history and significance of Stonewall and other national sites.
Reinstatement and Community Rejoice
Hours after the city council's resolution, New York officials acted, re-hanging a Pride flag at Stonewall. The flag was positioned prominently alongside the American flag.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal shared his jubilation on social media:
"The flag is up... The community should rejoice. We have prevailed. Our flag represents dignity and human rights."
US Congressman Jerry Nadler also participated in the re-hanging ceremony.
"We won't let Trump erase LGBTQ+ history. Stonewall was a rebellion. Stonewall was a beginning. Today, Stonewall is a call to action once again... I'm proud to be at Stonewall today as we re-raise the Pride flag. It's flying once again."
Broader Context
This incident follows other controversial actions attributed to the Trump administration. Previously, NPS workers removed panels discussing enslavement from the President's House in Philadelphia. This removal was in response to a presidential executive order.
Federal Response to Reinstatement
In response to inquiries about the flag's reinstatement, the Interior Department issued a statement. An unnamed spokesperson criticized New York officials' actions on Thursday, labeling them a "political stunt" and a "distraction."