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Utah Enacts Historic Ban on LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Displays
Utah has made a significant move by becoming the first state to ban the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags at all public schools and government buildings. This decision came after Governor Spencer Cox announced that he would allow the ban to become law without his signature, despite his reservations about the implications of such a policy.
Governor Cox revealed his decision late Thursday, emphasizing his concerns regarding the legislative measure. However, he felt his veto would be ineffectual given the Republican-controlled Legislature’s likely ability to override it.
The new legislation will go into effect on May 7, imposing a fine of $500 per day on state or local government facilities that fly any flag besides the U.S. flag, the Utah state flag, military flags, or a select few sanctioned by lawmakers. This restriction also encompasses political flags, such as those supporting candidates or political parties.
This law could potentially create tension between state policies and local governmental practices in Salt Lake City, known for its progressive stance. Every June, the city typically celebrates Pride Month with flag displays that symbolize its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. In response to the flag ban, local leadership has illuminated the Salt Lake City and County Building with rainbow lights in protest.
Andrew Wittenberg, spokesperson for Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office, stated that local attorneys are currently reviewing the law. As a result, the city has yet to determine its course of action once the law is enforced.
The bill’s primary sponsors, Republican Representatives Trevor Lee and Dan McCay, asserted that the law’s purpose is to promote “political neutrality” among educators and public employees. Meanwhile, critics argue that this initiative amounts to an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility and undermines the autonomy of municipalities that may not share the same political ideologies as the state government.
In a letter addressing the legislature, Governor Cox expressed his agreement with the bill’s intention of fostering politically neutral environments in schools. Nevertheless, he criticized the scope of the legislation, noting that it limits local governance and only critiques the display of flags, leaving other forms of political expression, such as posters and lighting, unregulated.
“To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult,” Cox articulated. “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.”
Governor Cox’s announcement coincided with the Sundance Film Festival‘s decision to relocate after nearly 40 years in Utah, moving to Boulder, Colorado. The political climate played a role in generating concern among the residents about the potential impact of such legislation on the festival’s future in Utah. However, festival organizers have clarified that their move was not directly influenced by state politics, although they did prioritize “ethos and equity values” during their search for a new location.
Utah’s new flag regulation exceeds a recent measure in Idaho, which applies only to schools. Nevertheless, Idaho Republicans are also working on legislation aimed at restricting certain flags in government buildings.
Additionally, lawmakers in Florida are pushing forward with a proposal aimed at banning pride flags and other politically charged symbols in public schools and buildings, continuing a trend seen in previous legislative sessions. Some federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have also begun to limit which flags can be displayed at their facilities.
Source
abcnews.go.com