Schwerin (dpa / mv) - In front of and on public buildings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, things are getting more colourful. At its meeting on Tuesday, the state government passed a new flag ordinance. This will make it possible to hoist non-sovereign flags such as the rainbow flag without having to apply for a special permit, explained Interior Minister Christian Gauge (SPD) after the cabinet meeting. The regulation is now up to date and will come into force at the beginning of 2023.
The SPD and the Left had anchored the reform of the almost 25-year-old flag regulation in their coalition agreement signed a year ago. The former government partner, the CDU, had opposed this, and the Interior Ministry, which he had led for a long time, generally rejected applications to raise the rainbow flag on public buildings. So far, only sovereign flags such as the European, federal and Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian flags have been permitted, and flags of other federal states or municipalities as well on certain occasions.
According to the level, it will be possible in the future to hoist sovereign flags not only on special occasions and events, but also without a specific reason. In addition, city flags could also be permanently flown in front of or on top of the town hall. "With the new ordinance, we are strengthening local self-government and the self-government of the other corporations and institutions under public law that are subject to state supervision," said level.
In anticipation of the change, the Interior Ministry had already sent a circular to all authorities in the country at the beginning of May that they could hoist the rainbow flag on Christopher Street Day as a sign of tolerance and diversity. According to the level, ministries, mayors and heads of departments made use of this in the summer.
With the new regulation, the list of regular flag-flying days has also been expanded. According to the level, March 11 is now the national day of remembrance for the victims of terrorist violence and May 8, the day of liberation from National Socialism.
