The Oxford Union has rejected a proposal to fly an LGBTQ+ flag for Pride Month every year. President Anita Okunde had put forward the Standing Order change but the Standing Committee – made up entirely of students – voted 7-4 against the move.
During a meeting today (5th May), the motion was tabled which would have required the President to fly the pride flag “throughout June every year”. It would have given the President the discretion to waive the requirement “in the event of the death of The Sovereign, or at such other time when public buildings fly their flags at half mast”.
Opponents of the move made clear that whilst they supported the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, they were concerned about the precedent that might be set. In particular, there were suggestions that passing such a motion could open up a “Pandora’s Box” of demands for other flags to be flown.
After a discussion over the potential change, a secret ballot was held in accordance with the Society’s rules. This then took place, with four members voting in support of the motion, and seven voting against (along with one spoiled ballot), meaning it failed to pass.
There was confusion over the history of the Standing Order’s place in the rules, with a suggestion that it had previously been included but had been “accidentally” removed. Despite this, the Committee voted against the reintroduction of the rule, with opponents claiming it would make “no substantive difference,” given that the President could unilaterally choose to wave the LGBTQ+ flag regardless of the vote’s outcome.
Cherwell has approached the Oxford Union for comment.
