Christian Council Condemns US Pride Flag at Embassy

The Bahamas Christian Council is denouncing a recent move by the US Embassy to fly the Pride Flag at its US Embassy at its Down Town office and at its Chief of Mission Residence.

In a press statement released late Tuesday evening, the BCC said the actions of the US Embassy are “insensitive to the moral and ideological position of this country regarding the lifestyle of homosexuality.”

The BCC says it fears that the raising of the Pride Flag at its embassy can influence the country’s social and political arena and result in “diplomatic bullying.”

“We believe that all foreign diplomats should appreciate how offensive it is to attempt to impose their ideology unto other nations as they will never stand for us to do the same in their country. This is a matter of respect and diplomatic assault upon the consciousness of our Bahamian society.”

Why it matters

The Bahamas prides itself in its Judeo-Christian values, where Christianity remains the largest religion that teaches the traditional family structure.

Mainstream sentiments largely oppose homosexuality.

However, the US Embassy said it is honoring the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the Bahamas and around the world for the entire month of June, which is celebrated as LGBTQI+Pride Month in the United States.

The big picture

Secretary of State Antony Blinken in President Joe Biden’s administration, authorized U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world to fly Pride flags, on the same pole as the American flag at embassies and consulates.

Blinken  however, noted that it was not a requirement, stating that the Chiefs of mission “determine that such a display is appropriate in light of local conditions.”

President Biden overturned a ruling by Former President Donald Trump which mandated that the American flag should not be flown with other flags, but alone.