Triathlon Union Reverses On Rainbow Flag Ban

Out athlete Gus Kenworthy with rainbow flag (screen capture)

Out and proud athletes have often flown a rainbow Pride flag before, during or after a competition.

But last week, Outsports reported the International Triathlon Union, the governing body for triathlon events around the world, had effectively banned rainbow flags from being flown at ITU events.

The LGBT sporting site noted that the phrase “sexual orientation” had been quietly added to a rule about displaying ‘propaganda’ two months ago.

Part X regarding the general conduct of athletes read, “Athletes will avoid displaying any kind of demonstration of political, religious, sexual orientation or racial propaganda.”

The penalty for flying or displaying a rainbow pride flag could be disqualification and removal from competition.

At the time, a spokesperson for ITU told Outsports the language was “similar wording that is included in many other sporting organizations.”

The ITU has now reversed course and rescinded the ban on rainbow flags or symbols.

Here's the new statement via Outsports:

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is aware of articles published recently suggesting that our institution is banning the rainbow flag at our events, and would like to clarify our position.

The ITU has always stood for equality, inclusion and respect, and would never knowingly take such a decision that would infringe on the rights and freedoms of people to express themselves and banning the display of rainbow flags.

In light of the misunderstanding, ITU will immediately revisit the rule to ensure that individuals’ rights of expression continue to be embraced.

ITU regrets that this interpretation of the updated rules could have affected any person. It was never ITU’s intention that anyone could be hurt by this decision, one that was never intended to be taken against any group of individuals, no matter their race, religion or sexual orientation.

ITU is proud to be an organisation that is absolutely inclusive from its inception, and will continue to be so in the future.

It’s seems disingenuous to say there was a ‘misunderstanding’ when the ITU spokesperson clearly articulated the new rule to Outsports just last week.

Out UK athlete Jack Bristow (image via Bristow)

UK out athlete Jack Bristow told BBC Sport, "Banning the flag 'for our own good' is not a good look."

"It wasn't really an issue beforehand, so I don't know why they introduced this rule and it seems to have backfired on them," he added. "But it's great they have responded so quickly and been prepared to listen to feedback."

(h/t Outsports, BBC Sport)