FILE – Supporters wave Pride flags in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 8, 2019. The Supreme Court is considering a case this term involving a Christian graphic artist in Colorado who wants to start designing wedding websites but objects to creating a wedding website for same-sex couples. We are preparing to issue judgments on some of the biggest cases. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Seneta, File)
The US State Department on Friday issued a global alert targeting “LGBTQI+ people and events,” warning of an increased potential for terrorist-inspired organized violence.
Friday's warning did not mention specific threats or locations, but did name the LGBT+ community as a potential target.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and acts of violence against U.S. citizens and interests, the State Department advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution,” the warning reads. “The State Department recognizes the increased potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ people and events and advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution. ”
The State Department said people should remain vigilant when participating in Pride celebrations. Although the department has not made a specific announcement, June, which is less than two weeks old as of Friday, is known as Pride Month in the United States and many parts of the world.
The month, when parades and other events are held around the world to celebrate the lives of people in the LGBT community, has seen violence and protests in recent years amid an escalating political climate over sexual and gender freedoms. being visited.
Just Thursday, the Downey City Council voted to adopt a “neutral flag policy,” which limits the flags flown on city property to the U.S. flag, state flag, city flag, and POW/MIA flag. The city has previously flown rainbow-colored “Pride” flags during Pride Month.
