This year, the Republican-led legislatures in Utah and Idaho prohibited the use of the rainbow pride flags and other “unofficial flags” on government property. However, leaders in Salt Lake City and Boise have found a way to circumvent these restrictions.
In Salt Lake City, Mayor Erin Mendenhall proposed the adoption of three new city flags, each featuring the city’s traditional sego lily design incorporated into a pride flag, a trans flag, and a Juneteenth commemoration flag. These flags were unanimously approved by the city council in response to Utah’s House Bill 77, which limited the types of flags that can be flown on government property and imposed fines for non-compliance.
Similarly, in Boise, Mayor Lauren McLean issued a proclamation retroactively making the pride flag an official city flag in reaction to Idaho’s House Bill 96, which restricted the types of flags that can be displayed. The pride flag had been flying over Boise’s city hall for years before this bill was passed.
Overall, this move by Salt Lake City and Boise aims to continue celebrating and affirming the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the communities despite the restrictions imposed by their respective state legislatures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/07/salt-lake-city-boise-pride-flags
