Flag war

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's decision to fly a rainbow flag outside its building has brought about criticism from local politicians and conservative groups. The flag is being displayed beneath an American flag at the request of PRISM, a Richmond federal group representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees, in celebration of National Gay Pride Month.

"The Richmond Fed's endorsement of costly, anti-social, immoral behavior is rejected by 6,000 years of western religious and moral teaching," wrote Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) in a letter to Jeffrey Lacker, the President of the Richmond Federal Reserve. Marshall said that the bank showed "a serious deficiency of judgment" and that its actions constituted as an "attack on public morals."

Federal Reserve spokesman Jim Strader said that the flag will be flown through June.

"It represents the bank's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are values we support," said Strader.

But Marshall contends that the building should not be a forum for political messages. "What does flying the homosexual flag, or any other similar display, have to do with your central banking mission under the Federal Reserve Act passed by Congress?"

Marshall also noted that sodomy remains a class six felony in Virginia and claimed that homosexual behavior "undermines the American economy" and "adds significantly to illness."

Several gay rights group have spoken out against Marshall, saying that he has lost touch with the majority of Virginians.

"The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond should receive accolades for its decision to recognize and celebrate its GLBT employees, customers and vendors during Pride month," said James Parrish, the Executive Director of Equality Virginia. The LGBT advocacy organization also noted that the state's sodomy law is no longer enforced. A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state laws that prohibited private, consensual sex by adults.

In 2006, Virginia voters approved an amendment to the state Constitution outlawing same-sex marriage.

The bank has received comments both supporting and opposing the flag. Del. Riley E. Ingram (R-Hopewell) contacted the Richmond bank in opposition to its decision, according to The Washington Post. Several bank employees have also voiced complaints.

"We will simply choose to use this flag, like the view of Mr. Jefferson's capitol, as motivation for the work that lies ahead," said Victoria Cobb, President of the Family Foundation, in an email on Thursday.

The Federal Reserve System, chartered by Congress in 1913 to monitor the nation's banking monetary policy, is not a federal agency.

"We strongly support a diverse and inclusive culture at the Richmond Fed and have learned that it is important to value and embrace differences, both seen and unseen," said Sally Green, Richmond Fed Chief Operating Officer, according to Richmond.com.

"Apparently that inclusivity doesn't apply to those who do not condone homosexual behavior," said Cobb.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter today!