For the past four years, the rainbow flag has flown in front of the ministry in June, Pride Month. Photo: Luka Cjuha
In front of the building of the Ministry of Culture without the rainbow flag
There is no longer a rainbow flag in front of the building of the Ministry of Culture, which is headed by Minister Ignacija Fridl Jarc with the arrival of the new government. For the past four years, it has been hanging in front of the ministry in June, during Pride Month. As the ministry explained to STA, it was withdrawn because they believe that state institutions should remain politically and ideologically neutral.
“We took down the rainbow flag because we believe that the Ministry of Culture must represent all citizens and all cultural creators, regardless of their personal beliefs, identities or worldviews,” the ministry wrote in a response to STA. In their opinion, state institutions should also express themselves primarily through their work, programs and legal tasks.
As they point out, “we respect the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community and no one questions them. However, we believe that supporting individual social or political movements is not the task of state symbols and state institutions.”
The flags of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union remain in front of the ministry, representing all citizens without distinction, they added. “Our goal is not to divide, but to connect. That’s why we want the ministry to be a place of culture, dialogue and respect for everyone, regardless of their personal circumstances or beliefs.”
The previous Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko warned about the withdrawal of the rainbow flag today in the National Assembly. As she said, June is the month of pride, which also shows that Slovenia is friendly to all citizens and does not discriminate. Taking down the rainbow flag from in front of the Ministry of Culture building is also understood as a symbolic gesture that, in her opinion, respect for everyone will not be the first priority of this government.
