Spanish newspapers reported that the U.S. Embassy in Madrid flew a rainbow flag — the universally recognized symbol of the gay rights movement — at least one day last week, and that the openly gay U.S. Ambassador to Spain, James Costos, did the same at his official residence.

The rainbow flag at the embassy was seen in a photo posted on the embassy’s Twitter account, hanging right below the U.S. flag. The move was in recognition of the May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, an event touted by the White House as a crucial element in the fight against discrimination.

“It’s not lost on anyone that this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) coincides with the 60th anniversary of the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education,” Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. “Our commitment to advancing the human rights of LGBT persons is part of this country’s long history of fighting to ensure that all people can exercise their human rights.”

Mr. Kerry also said that the present White House was more than willing to push private sector entities and religious organizations to open the doors to gay rights.

“This past week,” he said, “we convened religious leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations to think about how we work together to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Next week, we will convene meetings with our private sector allies to discuss the important role of the business community in promoting equality and the ways we can partner throughout the Global Equality Fund.”

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