Eurovision bans non-national flags, drawing backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced a ban on all flags, except national ones, during performances at the Eurovision Song Contest. This includes LGBTQ+ flags, Palestinian flags, and "European" flags. The decision has sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups and was confirmed by AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster responsible for organizing the Netherlands' participation.

AVROTROS explained that the ban is part of the EBU’s effort to maintain Eurovision as a "non-political event." The broadcaster clarified that during official moments, such as when participants are introduced, only the flag of the performing country should be displayed. This policy, according to AVROTROS, aims to preserve political neutrality throughout the competition.

While AVROTROS acknowledged that rainbow flags are not inherently political, the broadcaster emphasized that the EBU seeks consistency across the event. "A rainbow flag is not a political statement," said an AVROTROS representative. "But the EBU wants to draw a clear line, and that is their reasoning for the decision."

The ruling has faced strong opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy group COC, which argues that the rainbow flag symbolizes an expression of identity, not politics. COC has urged AVROTROS to ask the EBU to reconsider its decision.

"We want to have a conversation with AVROTROS," a COC spokesperson told ANP. "We consider AVROTROS a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are confident that we can convince them that expressing who you are is not a political statement, especially for an artist."

COC also pointed out that AVROTROS, as the broadcaster of Pride events, understands the significance of the rainbow flag as a symbol of identity. "AVROTROS knows very well that the rainbow flag is an expression of who you are," the spokesperson added.

AVROTROS has expressed openness to dialogue with COC. A representative reiterated the broadcaster’s position on Saturday, stating that while they understand the EBU’s stance, they are "open to conversation." AVROTROS stressed that the flag ban applies only to official moments when it is necessary to clearly identify the country being represented. "At all other times, we are free to communicate what we want," the broadcaster noted.

This is not the first time the EBU has restricted the use of rainbow flags at Eurovision. Last year, fans were required to leave their rainbow flags at the entrance to the event.

COC condemned the decision, stating, "Banning a pride flag is like forbidding participants from holding hands with their same-sex partner or claiming that a kiss between two people of the same gender is a political statement."