Austin Pride: Palestinian flag 'absolutely allowed' at parade

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A number of social media posts over the past week claimed that Austin Pride banned Palestinian signs and symbols, and also called out the organization for some of its sponsors.

According to the Austin For Palestine Coalition, a presentation to organizations participating in Saturday's parade included a slide titled "Anti-Jewish Hate Speech."

"Hate speech against the Jewish community at Austin Pride events is unacceptable. Everyone is welcome at Pride," the slide reads. "This also includes symbols, images or flags used by terrorist and hate groups."

Some of the pictures on that slide show signs that say "no pride in genocide," "globalize the Intifada" and a Palestinian flag with "From the River to the Sea" written on it.

"This move represents a blatant and erroneous conflation of calls for Palestinian liberation with antisemitism," said the coalition in a statement. "In fact, the pictured symbols and images have nothing to do with anti-Jewish sentiment. Instead, they are rallying cries against a settler-colonial occupation engaged in active genocide and apartheid, and principled declarations of queer pride by those who understand that LGBTQ+ liberation is incompatible with colonization and genocide."

Austin Pride president Micah Andress tells KXAN that Palestinian flags are "absolutely allowed" at the events and that the organization is "dedicated to fostering a space of love and unity where everyone is welcome."

"Our mission has always been to create a safe and inclusive environment for celebration," Andress said. "In light of recent comments, we want to clarify that no country's flags or symbols showing support are banned. The only restriction is on hate speech, consistent with our longstanding policy."

The coalition said it attempted to discuss the issue with Austin Pride but was "met with silence and deflection." KXAN has asked Andress for comment on this claim.

"Austin Pride leaders have refused to engage with the reality of Israel’s ongoing US-facilitated genocide of Palestinians, or with pressing questions of solidarity and intersectionality among marginalized groups," the coalition said.

Andress said that Austin Pride's priority is "to ensure a safe and welcoming community where everyone can express themselves as they choose."

"As an organization, we deliberately refrain from taking stances on issues that are not part of the local, state, or national conversation or that do not impact the local LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that many members of our community are concerned with global and external issues that require attention and solutions," Andress said. "However, this weekend, we ask that our focus be on Austin Pride."

Austin Pride's festival opens at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Fiesta Gardens. Its parade starts at the Texas State Capitol at 8:00 p.m. and will go down Congress Avenue to Cesar Chavez.

The Austin For Palestine Coalition will hold a 7:00 p.m. rally at Austin City Hall on Saturday.