Legislators Propose Standardized Flag Policy
A pair of Republican lawmakers want to, officially, limit which flags can fly outside of government buildings across Wisconsin.
State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard, and State Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, on Tuesday introduced a proposal to establish a uniform flag policy.
“In recent years it’s become more common to see flags displayed at government buildings in recognition of various holidays and causes. Given the hundreds of national and global holidays that have been established over the years, it would be a challenge, if not impossible, to recognize each cause equally,” Steffen said. “A standard flag policy eliminates the potential of elevating one cause over another at our government buildings.”
Their proposal would limit state and local government buildings to “only the U.S. flag, state flag, POW/MIA flag and the official flags of each branch of the U.S. armed forces.”
“Debate over which flags to fly leads to unnecessary controversy and anger. By focusing on our shared support of our Country, State, and those who have served in the military, governments can stay focused on what matters, improving the lives of Wisconsinites,” Wimberger added. “Government should be a neutral place towards group affiliation or personal identity, planting flags is an outward expression designed to send a message, and selecting representations of one group or another on a government building has no legitimate purpose.”
The proposal does have an exemption clause.
The legislature or the local government could vote to fly a different flag, but it would require a three-fourths majority vote.
A number of cities and counties currently fly other likes, like the progress pride flag each year.
Gov. Evers has also made it a point to fly the flag over the State Capitol each year that he’s been in office. Meaning he’s unlikely to sign Steffen and Wimberger’s plan into law.
The legislation is out for co-sponsorship at the Capitol. No one is saying when will get its first hearing, or when it could see a vote.
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