Context:

Salt Lake City and Boise have officially adopted new city flags that incorporate the LGBTQ+ pride flag, circumventing state laws that ban traditional pride flags in government spaces. In Utah, Salt Lake City's actions came just before a new law took effect, banning unsanctioned flag displays, while Boise declared the pride flag an official city flag despite Idaho's similar restrictions. The legislation in both states, pushed by Republican-controlled legislatures, aims to ensure political neutrality but has faced criticism for targeting LGBTQ+ expression. Boise's City Council voted to support the pride flag, emphasizing its historical significance and the message of inclusivity it represents. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City incorporated additional cultural symbols into their flag designs to reflect the city’s values and diversity.

Dive Deeper:

• Salt Lake City and Boise have adopted city flags that incorporate LGBTQ+ pride elements to show solidarity with the community, directly challenging state laws that restrict the display of such flags in government spaces.

• In Utah, the new flag designs were approved just hours before a law prohibiting unsanctioned flags took effect, a law that imposes fines on government buildings displaying non-approved flags.

• Boise's City Council retroactively declared the pride flag an official city flag to bypass Idaho's law, which prohibits government buildings from displaying non-sanctioned flags, asserting that removing the flag would contradict the city's values.

• The legislation in Utah and Idaho, driven by Republican lawmakers, is intended to maintain political neutrality in government settings but has been criticized for undermining LGBTQ+ representation.

• In response to Idaho's flag ban, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise kept the pride flag flying, citing the law's unenforceability, and the city council formalized its status as an official flag in a contentious meeting.

• Salt Lake City not only approved the pride flag but also included symbols such as the sego lily, reflecting the city’s diverse heritage and commitment to inclusivity.

• Communities in Idaho are searching for ways to navigate the flag restrictions, with Bonners Ferry designating every day a 'special occasion' to continue flying the Canadian flag, demonstrating the ongoing challenges and creative solutions cities are employing.