Dexter Condemns GOP Pride Flag Ban

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter Slams GOP’s Pride Flag Ban in Military Debate

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (September 17, 2025) — Democratic congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR) took a bold stand on the House floor to denounce a Republican amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that bans Pride flags from Department of Defense facilities.

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Dexter, a physician, mother, and the proud representative of Oregon’s Third Congressional District, held up a Pride flag at the lectern in full view of lawmakers as she condemned Rep. Cory Mills’ (R-FL) proposal as “cruel and callous.”

The controversial amendment is part of a GOP push that also includes restricting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender service members and their dependents. Dexter argued the bans were a dangerous distraction from Congress’s urgent responsibility to prevent a looming government shutdown.

“Weeks from a government shutdown, House Republicans are attempting to distract from the real work of governing — this time by banning Pride flags,” Dexter declared. “This is just another distraction, and they tried to silence me for saying so. I won’t. I’ll fight every day for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Weeks from a government shutdown, House Republicans are attempting to distract from the real work of governing—this time by banning Pride flags. This is just another distraction, and they tried to silence me for saying so. I won’t. I’ll fight every day for the LGBTQIA+ community. pic.twitter.com/Xz38Z7nZ6w

— Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (@RepDexterOR) September 12, 2025

Her remarks were amplified on social media, where she posted a video of the moment, defiantly stating she would not be silenced.

The amendment remains under debate as part of the NDAA process, but Dexter’s pointed rebuttal has quickly gone viral, underscoring the fierce political battle over LGBTQ visibility in the military.

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