Eurovision acts will not be allowed to display Pride flags on stage at this year’s contest in Switzerland, official policy has confirmed.
The annual song contest, taking place in the city of Basel in 2025, has shared updated flag guidance developed by the Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR regarding official Eurovision spaces.
The new guidance outlines that only one national flag can be used in official spaces ‘in line with other international competitive events’ which includes the Stage, Green Room, Eurovision Village Stage, the Turquoise Carpet at the Opening Ceremony and the Flag Parade.
An official statement provided to Metro reads: ‘Together we wanted to strike a balance to ensure that our audiences and artists can express their enthusiasm and identities, whilst at the same time provide more clarity for the delegations when it comes to official spaces.’
Then added: ‘Outside of these official spaces the flag policy for delegations is the same as for audiences, where all flags permitted under Swiss law can be used, including Pride flags, and provides plenty of opportunities for the expression of everyone’s identities.’
This is in line with historic flag policy, although last year’s winner Nemo – who rose to victory during the event in Malmo, Sweden, was able to sneak a non-binary pride flag to the parade after being refused by Eurovision officials.
‘I had to smuggle my flag in because Eurovision said no, but I did it anyway, so I hope some people did that too. But, I mean, come on, this is clearly a double standard,’ they recalled at a press conference at the time.
The updated flag policy doesn’t include fans who will be allowed ‘all flags and banners’ into official Eurovision spaces as long as they don’t ‘violate’ Swiss laws.
This means any promoting racist and discriminatory content, including symbols that incite hatred or violence; flags containing symbols of banned terrorist organisations and flags that can be considered offensive or defamatory.
After stirring huge controversy with Israel’s inclusion in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest due to the Israel-Gaza war, the ban on the Palestinian flag has now been overturned thanks to the allowance of all ‘legally permitted’ banners.
Those who do not follow the guidelines at this self-described ‘joyous and non-political’ event could face consequences including their removal from the event, confiscation of flags and delegations could face further punishment in accordance with European Broadcasting Union regulations.
Eurovision has a long history of championing LGBTQ+ acts including UK’s 2024 entry Olly Alexander who reflected on his decision to raise the Union Jack to Metro.
The Years and Years star shared: ‘I hope to reclaim the Union Jack in a positive way and when I’m going to be out there waving my flag, waving the Union Jack at the flag parade, it’s for all the good things that have come from growing up in the UK and being British and yeah, I think definitely focusing on that side of things.’
The It’s A Sin star continued: ‘Historically Eurovision has been a great place for queer performers, obviously the queer audiences have really embraced Eurovision and performers have gone on to win Eurovision.’
Building off its long history of championing LGBTQ+ performers, several will appear at this year’s contest such as Czechia’s ADONXS, Austria’s JJ, Malta’s Miriana Conte and Finland’s Erika Vikman.
The Eurovision 2025 final takes place in St Jakobshalle, Switzerland, on Saturday, May 17 and will air on BBC One.
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