Utah becomes first US state to ban LGBTQ pride flag from schools and government buildings
Utah has become the first state in the US to ban the LGBTQ pride flag from flying at schools and government buildings after Republican governor Spencer Cox allowed the legislation to become law without his signature.
Governor Cox expressed concerns about the measure but chose not to veto it, acknowledging that his decision would likely be overturned by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature. Apart from this, he also signed a separate bill banning fluoride from public water systems.
Under the new flag law, which will take effect from 7 May, state and local government buildings will be fined $500 per day for displaying any flag outside a pre-approved list. Only the US flag, the Utah state flag, military flags, and a select few others sanctioned by lawmakers will be permitted. Political flags promoting candidates or parties are also prohibited.
The law could heighten tensions between the state and Salt Lake City, Utah’s most liberal area, where pride month is typically marked each June by LGBTQ+ flag displays. In protest, city officials have illuminated the Salt Lake City and county building in rainbow lights each night since the bill was sent to the governor’s desk.
Andrew Wittenberg, spokesperson for Salt Lake City mayor Erin Mendenhall, said city attorneys are reviewing the law and have yet to determine how the capital will proceed once the ban is enforced.
In a letter to legislative leaders, Cox said he supported the bill’s intent to maintain political neutrality in schools but believed it overreached by regulating local governments. He also pointed out that while the law restricts flags, it does not prevent other political symbols such as posters or lighting displays.
“To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult,” Cox said. “Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times, and I know we’ve had our disagreements. 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,” CBS news quoted the governor.
Sundance film festival moves to Colorado
Cox’s decision came just hours after the Sundance Film Festival announced it was leaving Utah for Boulder, Colorado, after four decades in Park City. The flag bill had sparked last-minute concerns that it could drive the prestigious independent film festival away, though festival organisers stated that state politics did not influence their decision. However, they acknowledged that “ethos and equity values” were among the factors considered in choosing their new location, describing Boulder as a “welcoming environment.”
Utah’s flag ban goes further than a similar measure recently passed in Idaho, which only applies to schools. Idaho lawmakers are also advancing a separate bill to extend restrictions to government buildings. Meanwhile, Florida is considering a comparable proposal after previous attempts failed in the past two legislative sessions. Some federal agencies, including the Department of veterans affairs, have also implemented restrictions on which flags can be displayed at their facilities.
