Several nonprofit groups have come together to take a stand against the recent removal of the pride flag at Manhattan’s Stonewall National Monument. On Tuesday, a joint lawsuit was filed against the National Park Service (NPS), the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for their actions.
The plaintiffs in this lawsuit include the Gilbert Baker Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the LGBTQ+ rights activist and creator of the iconic rainbow flag. Other groups involved are the Human Rights Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.
The controversy began earlier this month when the pride flag, which had been flying at the Stonewall National Monument since 2016, was suddenly removed without any explanation. This move sparked outrage and disappointment among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, who saw it as a blatant act of discrimination and erasure of their history.
The Stonewall National Monument holds a significant place in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for equality and justice for the community. The monument serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder of the struggles they have faced and continue to face.
The removal of the pride flag from this historic site was seen as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. It was a clear message that their presence and contributions were not valued or recognized. This action also goes against the NPS’s own policy, which states that the pride flag can be flown at national monuments with the approval of the park superintendent.
Fortunately, after days of public outcry and pressure from advocacy groups, the pride flag was returned to its rightful place at the Stonewall National Monument. However, the damage had already been done, and the message of discrimination and exclusion had been sent.
The joint lawsuit filed by these nonprofit groups aims to hold the NPS, the Department of the Interior, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum accountable for their actions. It seeks to ensure that such discriminatory and unjust actions do not happen again and that the pride flag remains a permanent fixture at the Stonewall National Monument.
The plaintiffs argue that the removal of the pride flag not only goes against the NPS’s own policy but also violates the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech and expression. They also point out that the pride flag is a symbol of inclusivity and diversity, and its removal goes against the values of the Stonewall National Monument and the United States as a whole.
The joint lawsuit has received widespread support from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Many see it as a crucial step in protecting the rights and visibility of the community, especially in the current political climate where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant threat.
In a statement, the Gilbert Baker Foundation said, “We will not stand by and allow the erasure of our history and the silencing of our voices. The pride flag belongs at the Stonewall National Monument, and we will fight to ensure that it remains there as a symbol of love, acceptance, and equality.”
The Human Rights Campaign also expressed their support for the lawsuit, stating, “The removal of the pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument was a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community and our history. We stand with our partners in this fight for justice and equality.”
The joint lawsuit serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. It is a call to action for all of us to stand up against discrimination and injustice and to protect the progress that has been made. The pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument is not just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. And it must continue to fly high and proud.
