Lowenthal Flies Gay Pride Flag Outside Congress

Rep. Alan Lowenthal flew a rainbow gay pride flag beside the U.S. and California flags outside his congressional office Tuesday in support of same-sex marriage.

The Long Beach Democrat's media release noted it may be the first time the gay pride flag has been displayed outside a Washington, D.C., congressional office. 

The press team for the newly elected member of the House, whose 47th Congressional District straddles Long Beach and Orange County cities such as Los Alamitos, sent out a news release backing those arguing for gay marriage before the Supreme Court. Arguments for and against California's Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage are being made through Tuesday, with a decision not expected before June.

"The gay pride flag was also displayed outside his district office and district offices in support of LGBT Americans and marriage equality," Lowenthal's news release reads. He added: “My offices are flying the Pride flag--proudly I might add--in solidarity with not only my LGBT constituents, but LGBT Americans everywhere."

It could not be independently confirmed, but Lowenthal's office said, "According to the offices of the Architect of the Capitol and the House Historian, it is likely that Congressman Lowenthal is the first member of Congress to formally display a Pride flag outside his Congressional office."