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A new policy from the Eurovision Song Contest has sparked outrage in the global LGBTQ community. This year, contestants at Eurovision will not be allowed to display Pride flags onstage or at official events. This change is according to new guidance from the European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which organizes the contest.

Performers and their teams can only show the official flag of the country they’re representing—whether it’s on the main stage, in the green room, or at the turquoise carpet event. The EBU claims the rule is meant to ensure clarity about which country is being represented. But critics say it goes much further.

The new rules also ban expressions of solidarity with Palestine and Ukraine. However, audience members at this year’s event in Basel, Switzerland, will be allowed to wave any flag allowed under Swiss law, including Pride flags. Still, LGBTQ+ rights groups are calling foul. Dutch group COC Nederland called the policy “ridiculous,” saying it’s like banning people from holding hands or wearing earrings.

Maria Sjödin (So-deen), the executive director of Outright International, put it bluntly: “Limiting expressions of support for equality—through flags, colors, or words — weakens the spirit of Eurovision, which thrives on diversity, creativity, and freedom.”

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Happening Out Television Network