Controversial: The so-called Progress Flag is waving in front of some authorities Photo: EPA/C. balance sheet
By Stephen Peter
Astonishment among many passers-by: just before the CSD, the rainbow flags on the flagpoles of all authorities were removed on Thursday. On Friday, however, they will be raised again.
There is a simple reason for the back and forth: On July 20th, the resistance against the Nazis is officially commemorated – only sovereign flags are allowed! That’s why Germany, Berlin and Europe flags fluttered in front of the offices.
There is still trouble about the rainbow flags: the so-called Progress Flag is waving in front of some authorities (including the Mitte District Office, Kreuzberg District Court, Refugee Office). It complements the classic rainbow flag with a wedge with additional colors, intended to include transsexuals and blacks.
There was an exception to the Berlin flagging ordinance for a short time, but the CDU is in favor of a uniform rainbow flag.