Utah Becomes First State to Ban Pride Flags in Schools and Government Buildings
Utah has enacted a law prohibiting LGBTQ+ Pride flags from being displayed in government buildings and schools, becoming the first state to impose such a ban. The law, which takes effect on May 7, also bars political flags, including those supporting specific candidates.
Under the new law, state and local government buildings will be fined $500 per day for displaying any unapproved flag, with approved flags including the American flag, the Utah state flag, military flags, and a few others. Enforcement will be carried out by the state auditor, who will have the authority to fine schools or government entities found in violation.
State Representative Trevor Lee, who sponsored the bill, said he specifically drafted it to prevent Pride flags from being displayed in schools. The legislation was later expanded to apply to all government buildings, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Governor Spencer Cox allowed the bill to become law without his signature. In a letter to lawmakers. Cox expressed hesitancy about the bill but allowed it to go through because he believed a veto would likely have been overridden by the legislature.
“As tired as Utahns are of politically divisive symbols, I think they are also tired of culture war bills that don’t solve the problems they intend to fix,” the governor wrote in a letter to lawmakers explaining his decision.
“To those legislators who supported this bill,” he added, “I’m sure it will not fix what you are trying to fix.”
The governor also stated that “The idea that kids can only feel welcome in a school if a teacher puts up a rainbow flag is just wrong,” and emphasized that classrooms should remain politically neutral.
Cox concluded his letter by addressing Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, saying, “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state. I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely.”
The law could put the state at odds with Salt Lake City, which traditionally displays Pride flags in June to honor Pride Month. According to Fox News, Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office stated that city attorneys are reviewing the law, and no details have been given on how the city will proceed once the ban takes effect.
