Gov. Evers Orders Gay Pride Flag To Be Flown Over State Capitol

MADISON, WI — For the first time in Wisconsin state history, the rainbow flag symbolizing Gay Pride will be flown over the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

According to information released from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers office Friday, the Gov. issued an executive order to fly the Pride Flag for the rest of June in honor of Pride Month.

The flag will be flown over the East Wing of the Capitol, the Gov. said.

In a statement, Evers said flying the flag "sends a clear an unequivocal message that Wisconsin is a welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can live without fear of prosecution, judgment, or discrimination."

As part of the executive order, Evers said other state buildings will also be allowed to fly the Gay Pride flag.

“Thank you Governor Evers,” Sen. Tim Carpenter, a Milwaukee Democrat and the only openly gay state senator currently serving in the Legislature, said in a statement published in the Wisconsin State Journal. “This is a very welcoming sign to many of us and it signifies a new direction for Wisconsin. We are showing that we are a welcoming and inclusive state and that means a great deal.”