Petition · past parliament
The NHS shouldn’t be using the LGBTQIA+ flag, just the rainbow.
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
The LGBTQIA+ flag is being used to commemorate the NHS. I agree that the NHS should use the rainbow as it’s a sign of hope, just not use the flag that people have died for. People’s history and identities are based around the flag, I don’t want the true meaning of the pride flag to be forgotten.
People in power have the capability to change the meanings of symbols. For example, the swastika, originally a religious symbol for peace, is now a symbol commonly associated with hatred and war. I am not comparing the NHS to Nazis, the NHS are doing an incredible job, I’m emphasising that people in power are able to take and change symbols. The U.K. government should protect LGBT+ rights and it’s flag, ensuring that it’s meaning isn’t forgotten.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
The NHS is operationally independent of the Government, so decisions like this are a matter for individual hospitals and clinical commissioning groups, not the UK Government or Parliament.
If you are unhappy with your local NHS using the LGBTQIA+ flag, you should contact your local hospitals or clinical commissioning group directly.
If you are unhappy with your local NHS using the LGBTQIA+ flag, you should contact your local hospitals or clinical commissioning group directly.
Timeline
| 24 May 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 6 Aug 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
6 Aug 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.