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Eurovision fans warned not to wave rainbow flags
If you've ever watched Eurovision you'll know the countless flags being waved throughout, this year however one flag has got a stern warning.
Ahead of next month's show the contest’s steering committee has released a ‘flag policy’, specifying which flags can and cannot be flown by fans in the Globen Arena.
The policy limits flags to the flags of participating members and other UN states, along with the rainbow flag and the EU flag. The rainbow flag however has been warned not to be used as a political tool.
It states: “Rainbow flags and the European Union flag will be tolerated provided they will, according to the evaluation of the organisers, not be used as tool to intentionally make a political statement during the show.
“Particularly, the organisers request and urge the fan community to respect and appreciate the non-political nature of the Eurovision Song Contest.”
A Eurovision spokesperson also said: “This is decided on a case by case basis. The example you cite earlier may be applicable – singling out a specific participating country.”
The committee failed to answer whether this band was in regards to Russia but there is high speculation that the rumours are accurate. When asked about whether or not the Scottish Saltire or Australian Aboriginal Flag would be banned they said,
"Scotland is not a member of the UN so therefore the flag does not comply with the policy.
“The EBU aims to assure that the Eurovision Song Contest is free from political statements, unauthorised commercial messages and offensive comments, in line with the contest’s Rules that all 42 participating broadcasters agreed upon.
“The organisers are fully committed the safety of the audience and crew. For these purposes, the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest, which is the contest’s governing body on behalf of the participating broadcasters, decided on a flag policy.
“Regarding the rainbow flag, that technically represents diversity which is a core value of the EBU.”
