Official Pride Flags Adopted in Salt Lake City and Boise in Reaction to State Legislation

In a significant move to counter new state policies, the capitals of Utah and Idaho have adopted official city flags. This change follows laws in both states prohibiting the display of flags not sanctioned by the government at schools and other public locations.

Civil rights advocates view these laws as attempts to suppress the visibility of flags affirming L.G.B.T.Q. identities. In Salt Lake City, the City Council introduced three new flags: one featuring the iconic rainbow of the Pride flag, another showcasing the pink and blue associated with the transgender community, and a third honoring Juneteenth with a specific symbol and date, all incorporating the sego lily, emblematic of the city.

Meanwhile, Boise's City Council also sanctioned several new official flags, including one that supports organ donation, reaffirming their commitment to community values and inclusivity.

Boise’s mayor, Lauren McLean, expressed prior to the adoption of the resolution, "The City of Boise will persist in displaying flags at City Hall Plaza that exemplify our community's ethos of inclusivity and care for all individuals."

Utah's legislative body enacted a law in March that restricts the presence of flags at public institutions unless they are specially authorized. The permissible flags under this law include the national and state flags, symbols of municipalities, as well as flags representing other states, nations, colleges, and military units.

Governor Spencer Cox of Utah, a member of the Republican Party, permitted the legislation to pass without signing it, acknowledging concerns about its extensive nature while also recognizing that a veto would likely be overturned. Although the law does not explicitly target L.G.B.T.Q. or Pride flags, proponents have admitted that preventing these flags was a significant motivation.

In a similar vein, Idaho has also taken steps to prevent unofficial flags from being displayed at public buildings earlier this year.

Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City’s mayor, highlighted the importance of the newly adopted flags in fostering unity. She remarked, "I hope every citizen of Salt Lake City who sees these flags understands that we deeply value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that as one united community, we are advancing together."

Mike Schultz, the Speaker of the Utah House, criticized Salt Lake City's actions. He commented, “Salt Lake City’s decision to sidestep state legislation is an ineffective use of time and public financial resources, diverting focus from substantial concerns instead of engaging in political showmanship.”

State Senator Daniel McCay ridiculed the city’s move by sharing images online of other flags, incorporating symbols such as the sego lily, a motif of the Mormon Church, the national flag of Israel, and slogans used by former President Trump.

In Florida, a comparable legislative proposal, which aimed to eliminate flags with political expressions, did not succeed in passing during the latest legislative session.