FLASH
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been heavily criticized by left-wing parties after rejecting calls to fly the rainbow flag over the Bundestag on July 26, Christopher Street Day.
In an interview with public broadcaster ARD, Merz supported the previous decision by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to reject this request.
"The Bundestag is not a circus where any flag can be waved," said the head of the German government.
He added that the rainbow flag should only be displayed on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia.
"On all other days, only the German and European flags fly, and this is the right decision," he stressed.
The Chancellor's statements sparked outrage among opposition MPs. Sophie Koch, the government commissioner for LGBT rights and a Social Democratic Party MP, accused Merz of implying that the LGBT community is treated like "circus animals."
Green Party leader Katharina Dröge said the rainbow flag "represents a group that is increasingly facing hostility, violence and hatred" and deserves a seat in parliament.
Green MPs organized a silent protest in the Bundestag hall wearing rainbow-colored clothing.
In past years, the Bundestag has flown the flag during community events, and previous chancellors have participated in Christopher Street Day celebrations, a German tradition that stems from the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.
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