Press Release: Gov. Evers Encourages Rainbow Pride Flag to be Flown Statewide in Celebration of Pride Month, Signs Executive Orders Expanding Gender-Neutral Terms and Protecting LGBTQ Youth

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 06/01/2021 12:28 PM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2021 
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Announces Rainbow Pride Flag to be Flown Statewide in Celebration of Pride Month
Governor signs executive orders directing state agencies to use gender-neutral language, prohibiting use of state and federal funds for conversion therapy
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #120, ordering that the Rainbow Pride Flag be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol during the month of June in celebration of Pride Month. The Rainbow Pride flag will fly over the East Wing of the State Capitol building beginning at noon on Tues., June 1, 2021, and ending at sunset on Wed., June 30, 2021. Additionally, Executive Order #120 authorizes state buildings and any jurisdiction of the state of Wisconsin to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag during the month of June. The governor also signed two additional executive orders relating to LGBTQ issues. 

“The Rainbow Pride flag is a symbol of our state's commitment to celebrating and supporting LGBTQ Wisconsinites and is emblematic of the history of the community and the hard fought battles to be seen and heard, and to live fully with dignity and respect,” said Gov. Evers. “It's also a sign of our future, the progress we have yet to make, and the more inclusive, more just state we will build, together. I am glad today to extend this tradition statewide in encouraging communities and all of our state buildings to celebrate Pride and the diversity, resilience, and joy of LGBTQ individuals across our state.”

The raising of the Rainbow Pride flag marks the third time the flag will fly over the Wisconsin State Capitol. Gov. Evers ordered the flag to fly over the State Capitol building for the first time in Wisconsin state history in June of 2019. As was the case in the past, the Rainbow Pride flag will not disrupt other flags that regularly fly over the State Capitol building. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East wing flagpole above the Rainbow Pride flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North wing flagpole as it does every day.

In addition to signing Executive Order #120, the governor also signed two additional executive orders relating to LGBTQ issues. Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #121 and directed Evers Administration cabinet agencies to use gender-neutral language whenever practicable in external documents, including but not limited to: using gender-neutral terms and pronouns, drafting to eliminate the need for pronouns, omitting superfluous gendered words, and making any reference to gendered family relations. 

Gov. Evers also signed Executive Order #122, which requires the Department of Health Services, Department of Corrections, and the Department of Children and Families to take appropriate steps to expressly disallow payment of state and federal funds allocated by their respective agencies for conversion therapy for minors. Numerous medical associations and professional organizations oppose the practice of conversion therapy and according to research conducted by the Family Acceptance Project, adolescence conversion efforts contribute to higher risks of depression and suicide for LGBTQ youth. 

“In addition to celebrating the resiliency and joy of the LGBTQ community, Pride also offers an opportunity for us to reflect on how the state and our communities can be better allies,” said Gov. Evers. “These executive orders today recognize the work we have to do as a state to protect, support, and celebrate all LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our kids, and ensure our state is a safe, inclusive, and just place where every person has the resources and support to thrive.”

Copies of Gov. Evers' executive orders are available below. 

Executive Order #120 is available here.
 
Executive Order #121 is available here. 

Executive Order #122 is available here.
 
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