WA RSL drops 'offensive' ban on Welcome to Country and Aboriginal flag at Anzac Day ceremonies
by Guardian staff from on (#4ZR88)
WA Indigenous affairs minister Ben Wyatt said decision was 'regrettable' and Greens senator Rachel Siewert called it 'hurtful'
The Western Australian branch of the RSL has withdrawn its ban on the performance of Welcome to Country ceremonies and the flying of the Aboriginal flag at all of its Anzac and Remembrance Day services.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, RSLWA had said that while it supported the right to fly the Indigenous flag and make a Welcome to Country dedication at official ceremonies, "What RSL is not supportive of is the use of Welcome to Country as part of the actual service itself in terms of the Dawn Service of ANZAC Day and the 11am Service at Remembrance Day".
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