Utah and Idaho capitals adopted new official city flags on Tuesday in response to state law prohibiting display of any unofficial flags on schools and government buildings.
Civil rights organizations see state measures as efforts to prevent flags that support the LGBTQ people. The city council in Salt Lake City approved three new flags: one with the pride flag, the second with the pink and blue with the trans pride flag, and one-third with the symbols and dates, referring to the Judy Holiday commemorating the end of slavery. Each flag also includes the city symbol Sego Lily.
In Boise, the city council promotes the Rainbow Pride Flag and flags as official city flags.
“The City of Boise will continue to fly flags on the Town Hall Square and talk about our values of caring for people and welcoming everyone,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean in a statement ahead of the adoption of the resolution.
The Utah Legislature passed a law in March prohibiting the display of flags that were not explicitly approved in public schools and government buildings. (Flags permitted by state law include the United States flag, state flag, city flag, flags of other countries or states, as well as university and military flags).
Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox allowed the measure to become law without his signature, saying he was worried that it was too overwhelming, but he realized that the veto would be overwhelmed. The law does not explicitly mention LGBTQ or Pride Flags, but sponsors of the bill say banning such flags is a major part of its motivation.
Earlier this year, Idaho also banned the display of unofficial flags in government buildings.
Democratic Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement that the new flag promotes unity. “I hope all Salt Lakers look up at these flags and remind us of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and there is no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.”
In response to Salt Lake City’s actions on Tuesday, Utah State Legislative President Mike Schultz said in a statement to the Salt Lake Tribune: “Salt Lake City’s move to bypass state laws clearly wasted time and taxpayers’ resources.”
He added: “Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political drama.”
A state Senator Daniel McCay mocked the city’s action by posting photos on social media, and the flags, along with Salt Lake City’s Sego Lily, showcased the symbol of the Mormon church, a design for the Israeli flag and President Trump’s “Maga” slogan.
A similar state bill in Florida would ban the flag that expresses “political views” and failed to advance in the recently concluded legislative session.
