In a bold response to recent legislative restrictions, Salt Lake City and Boise have embraced new official pride flags, symbolizing their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Salt Lake City’s Mayor Erin Mendenhall introducing the new flag proposals each flag displays the sego lily emblem against a background of a pride flag, a trans flag, and a Juneteenth commemoration flag. Their city council passed this initiative unanimously, sending a loud and clear signal of support to marginalized communities.
Mayor Mendenhall emphasized the significance of the new flags, stating, “Our city flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values.” Through it all, she finally hopes residents will just look up, at the flags. Her goal is to make sure they experience the city’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This action is a direct response to Utah House Bill 77. The bill limits the flags that can be displayed on government property to those of a limited list including state and military flags.
Boise’s city council really led the way. They voted 5-1 to proclaim the pride flag an official city flag. The city took this bold step in order to fight back against Idaho’s House Bill 96. That bill roundsly restricts flags to the state flag and a handful of others. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean issued the proclamation in direct response to these state-level restrictions, underscoring the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
Beyond these positive local actions, the climate for LGBTQ+ rights continues to be hostile throughout the country. Perhaps because so many Conservative Legislatures are taking the offensive against smarter, progressive policies, particularly on transportation. More than a dozen states are pursuing similar flag measures to the ones passed in Utah and Idaho. In fact, reports indicate that the Trump administration has sought to purposely go after transgender athletes. At the same time, states such as Wyoming and Iowa are taking aggressive legislative initiatives to repeal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Salt Lake City and Boise have already committed to flying pride flags. This decision is in line with a growing trend among municipalities to push back against preemption laws instituted at the state level. As Meredith Stead noted regarding the potential removal of existing pride flags, “Removing the flag now after years of flying it proudly would not be a neutral act.” This kind of sentiment goes to show the deep roots of community that these symbols protect.