As part of its new policy for Eurovision 2025, only the official flags of participating countries will be allowed at all related events, effectively prohibiting LGBTQ+ flags from the stage. This decision, made by the Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR in conjunction with the EBU, applies to venues including the Main Stage, the Green Room, and the Opening Ceremony.
This policy particularly impacts LGBTQ+ artists in this year’s contest, including Maltese singer Miriana Conte, Austrian performer JJ, and Finnish artist Erika Vikman, as they will be unable to display Pride-related flags during their performances.
Last year’s winner from Switzerland, Nemo, who identifies as non-binary, shared that he faced restrictions on raising the non-binary flag on stage. “I had to smuggle it in because Eurovision said no, and I did it anyway. I hope others did the same,” he remarked at that time.
Though the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) has not clarified the penalties for violating these rules, it has implied that non-compliance will lead to “consequences.”
A spokesperson for Eurovision stated to PinkNews: “The flag policy for Eurovision 2025 was developed by SRG SSR and involves the EBU, aiming to provide clarity for audiences and delegations. Our goal is to balance artists’ and audiences’ ability to express their identities while ensuring a clear framework for delegations. Similar to other international events, only national flags are permitted in official venues, such as the stage and the Green Room.”
However, outside of these official areas, delegations can follow the same rules as the audience, allowing for the display of any flags permitted by Swiss law. While restrictions for participants are becoming more stringent, fans attending Eurovision 2025—set to take place at St. Jakobshalle in Basel—will be able to bring “all flags and banners,” as long as they comply with safety regulations and local laws. Flags with offensive or hate-related symbols, as well as those linked to terrorist organizations, will still be prohibited.
The issue of flag representation was contentious last year, with only the flags of the 37 participating countries and the general multi-colored “Pride” flag allowed. Many audience members reported being denied entry to Malmö Arena for carrying flags representing specific LGBTQ+ identities, and there were challenges in bringing the European Union flag as well.
The Palestinian flag was also initially banned due to Israel’s participation during the ongoing conflict in Gaza; however, reports indicate that it will be permitted inside the arena for 2025. The Eurovision semifinals are scheduled for May 13 and 15, with the grand final set for May 17 in Basel, Switzerland.
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