Audiences would be allowed to wave Palestinian flags during the Eurovision Song Contest after the EBU revised its regulations allowing all flags during the competition. Switzerland, which would be hosting the event next month, said it would allow any flag that is legally permitted under Swiss law, including both the Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags.
According to the contest organizers, “political messages must be avoided”, but the host country places a “high value on freedom of expression.” Since symbols are considered to be the same as flags, there should be no exemption for the symbol of hostages to be added to the Israeli flags that would be waved as well, but that remains unclear.
Organizers said the song contest is a joyful and not a political event and is dedicated to music and culture, therefore, any political advocacy, including declarations or symbols during the competition or its related events, should be avoided.
“Although there are sanctions for breaches of the competition rules, we expect all delegations to approach the flag policy in good faith and understand that it is designed to create clarity and balance when it comes to expressing national and other identities,” EBU said.
The participating delegations would be allowed to raise only the flags of their respective countries. Raising the Palestinian flag on stage or at related events, including the red carpet and the green room, would not be allowed.
