Two cities unveil new designs to sidestep states' pride flag bans
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Pride flag colors, explained: Meanings behind the rainbow colors
The rainbow Pride flag has become a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. Here's how the flag came to be and what its colors represent.
City leaders in Boise and Salt Lake City on Tuesday, May 6 introduced new official flags to support LGBTQ+ rights, sidestepping laws in both states that prohibit the display of pride flags and other so-called "unofficial" flags.
The western states' laws, both passed this year by Republican-majority legislatures, resulted in effective bans on the display of pride flags on government properties.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and city council members on Tuesday adopted three new city flags meant to 'most accurately reflect the values of the city and its residents,' a news release said. They include a rainbow pride flag, a flag recognizing Juneteenth and a transgender visibility flag.
Visual Guide: All the pride flags and their meanings
Boise City Council's Tuesday vote designated the rainbow pride flag as an official city flag, taking a similar approach to its southeastern neighbor to bypass the new flag restrictions.
'Our city flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City's values,' Mendenhall, a Democrat, said. '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.'
In addition to pride flags, Salt Lake City's new flags also include a 'Celebration Flag' recognizing Juneteenth and the city's Black and African American residents and a 'Visibility Flag' representing the city's transgender residents. Boise also added a flag promoting organ donation to its collection of official city flags.
Utah's law, which went into effect March 27 without Republican Gov. Spencer Cox's signature, banned government agencies and public schools from displaying flags on public property unless explicitly named in the bill. This list of approved flags include the American flag, the state flag, city flags, flags of other countries and states, military flags and flags of universities and public schools.
Idaho's law, which was signed into law by Republican Gov. Brad Little April 4, lays down the same bans and flag exemptions.
In a statement released a few days ahead of the vote, Boise mayor Lauren McLean said the Idaho flag bill created 'division, confusion, and conflicts' in the capital city and across the state.
'The City of Boise will continue to fly the flags on City Hall Plaza that represent our community and speak to our values of caring for people and welcoming all,' McLean said. 'This resolution formalizes which flags are considered the official flags of our city.'
Kathryn Palmer is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
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