Federal government has limited replies on a social media post that draped the Canadian flag in Pride colours after users argued the makeover disrespected the Canadian flag.The bilingual message went up on June 22 on the Government of Canada’s official Twitter/X account. “In Canada we know that diversity is our strength and we love to celebrate it! This #BeingYouDay,” said the post, encouraging Canadians to mark #BeingYouDay. “Let it be a reminder to be authentically yourself and celebrate all the things that make you, YOU!”.Within hours, hundreds of responses alleged Ottawa had broken its own flag rules, with one user writing “That’s not my flag.” By Monday, only accounts mentioned in the post or the account follows can comment, essentially cutting off Canadians from commenting on the federal government’s decision to change the Canadian flag to promote sexual minorities.Screenshots shared by several users show a lock icon and note the decision followed a flood of criticism.Federal protocol says the national flag “should not be written on or marked in any way … [and] must not be modified.” Critics argued overlaying a rainbow flag onto the Canadian flag violated that rule and sent the wrong signal ahead of Canada Day.
