Queer Amsterdam wants to ban Israeli flags at Pride Walk, Halsema prohibits ban

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema reports that there is no ban on carrying the Israeli flag during the Pride Walk organized by Queer Amsterdam on July 20. "The Pride Walk is a manifestation that falls under the right to demonstrate. However, freedom to demonstrate does not give the right to impose censorship on demonstrators. An organization can, therefore, not forbid people who want to participate to express themselves. It is unacceptable that people who want to carry a flag should not be allowed to do so," said the mayor.

The foundation Queer Amsterdam announced on Instagram on Thursday that Israeli flags are not "allowed" at the Pride Walk through the center of Amsterdam. In response to questions about the flag ban, a spokesperson for the foundation referred AT5 to the website, which states that "no form of Zionism is tolerated." VVD councilor Daan Wijnants has indicated that he wants to ask council questions in response to the call.

On Saturday, Queer Amsterdam for the Instagram post and said that the message "caused an understandable uproar"," the foundation said. "We understand that our wording may have been confusing because no context was provided. We overlooked this, and it is a human error. We sincerely apologize for the confusion, especially if there are members in our community who feel unwelcome."

The organization also stated that their "intention was to express our stance against the Zionist practices that have led to the current oppression of the Palestinian people. We strive for a world where everyone can be themselves and love and live freely. This includes all places of the world, as LGBTQIAP+ people exist everywhere, and our fates are tied."

The Pride Walk is part of Pride Amsterdam, which is organized by Queer Amsterdam and Pride Amsterdam. Both organizations provide part of the program. Queer Amsterdam organizes the Pride Walk, and Pride Amsterdam takes care of the Pride March on July 27. The Pride Walk, a parade through the city, will take place on Saturday, July 20.