How two cities took on their states and found canny workaround to bans on Pride and Trans flags

Salt Lake City: After Republican-led legislatures in Utah and Idaho banned "unofficial flags"—including LGBTQ+ pride flags—from government property, the capital cities of both states have found a workaround: redesigning their official city flags to incorporate pride colors.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall introduced three new official flags featuring the city’s traditional sego lily emblem overlaid on pride, transgender, and Juneteenth flag designs. The city council unanimously approved them.

“Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values,” said Mendenhall in a press release. “I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity and inclusion—leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.”

The move circumvents Utah’s HB 77, which restricts flag displays and imposes $500 daily fines for violations.

ALSO READ

Columbia University finally runs out of patience with pro-Palestine student protests

Biden compares Trump to reviled politician and labels POTUS 'foolish' in comeback salvo

“Like other civic symbols, these flags reflect our shared humanity and the values that help everyone feel they belong—no matter their background, orientation or beliefs,” said Salt Lake City Council Chair Chris Wharton. “While the state has restricted which flags public buildings can fly, I’m glad we can still uphold our community’s values within the law.”

Similarly, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean issued a proclamation retroactively making the pride flag an official city flag. This bypasses Idaho’s HB 96, which limits flag displays to government and military banners. The Boise City Council approved the measure 5-1, with Councilmember Meredith Stead arguing that removing the flag would abandon the city’s inclusive values.