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Local administrations in Boise and Salt Lake City find creative ways to bypass prohibitions on displaying LGBTQ+ flags.

City authorities in Boise and Salt Lake City have found a loophole in recently implemented state laws, allowing them to hoist LGBTQ+ pride flags on city-owned properties by attaching them to banners, thus enriching municipal aesthetics while asserting inclusivity.

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City authorities in Boise and Salt Lake City have found a way to display LGBTQ+ pride flags on...
City authorities in Boise and Salt Lake City have found a way to display LGBTQ+ pride flags on city-owned premises, despite recently implemented state laws limiting the flags allowed.

Local administrations in Boise and Salt Lake City find creative ways to bypass prohibitions on displaying LGBTQ+ flags.

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Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah – two cities making waves as they defy state laws and continue flying the Pride flag at city buildings. Let's dive into this controversy with Julie Luchetta from Boise State Public Radio.

Julie Luchetta, Byline:

In February, Idaho's legislature passed a law limiting non-official flags on government property. Fast forward to this week, Boise's city council made the Pride flag an official city flag, ensuring it could be flown at city buildings. Over a hundred supporters gathered before the vote, with city council member Meredith Stead stating, "Removing it would not be a neutral gesture. It would send a disheartening message and signal a retreat from our long-held values."

Melodie Ostman, a protester, discordingly argued, "Government spaces should remain neutral, supporting everyone, not just a select few." On the same day, Salt Lake City decided to fly the Pride, transgender, and Juneteenth flags at city buildings, adding their city symbol – the sego lily – to each banner, hoping to satisfy Utah's state law.

Idaho's Republican Attorney General has warned Boise's mayor to comply with the state's ban, threatening the withholding of state funds. In the meantime, Salt Lake City is positioning itself to comply with the state law while expressing support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Idaho's House Bill 96 restricts the display of non-official flags, including those promoting political or ideological causes. In response, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean continues to fly the Pride flag at City Hall, arguing that the law lacks clear definitions and enforcement mechanisms. The legal challenge remains as Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador requests compliance, and plans are in place to add enforcement mechanisms in the next legislative session.

Anti-discrimination activists hail this defiance as a significant moment in the struggle for equality and a testament to the resilience of local governments in the face of state oppression. In contrast, opponents argue that such flag displays divide communities and violate the principle of government neutrality.

These disputes over flag displays are reflective of broader societal debates about political neutrality, freedom of expression, and the role of government in enforcing these values. Similar flag bans are being considered or implemented in over a dozen other states, suggesting a national trend towards restricting flag displays on government property. The future of these battles between state laws and local governance remains uncertain, with various precedents yet to be set.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story, illuminating the struggles and victories of cities aiming to express their values and maintain autonomy in the face of restrictive state legislation.

Sources:

  1. "BREAKING: Boise City Council Votes for Official City Pride Flag." Boise State Public Radio, 12 June 2023.
  2. Hansen, Christopher. "Pride month starts with controversy after Boise, Salt Lake City fly LGBTQ+ flags." KSL.com, 1 June 2023.
  3. Gould, Marc. "Boise mayor flying pride flag in defiance of Idaho law." Gannett, 30 May 2023.
  4. Hostetter, Brooke. "Idaho governor signs law banning flying of all non-official flags on government property." Idaho Statesman, 24 February 2023.
  5. Despite Idaho's law limiting non-official flags on government properties, Boise's city council has made the Pride flag an official city flag, ensuring its continued display at city buildings.
  6. In a contrasting move, Salt Lake City has added their city symbol – the sego lily – to the Pride, transgender, and Juneteenth flags while flying them at city buildings, complying with Utah's state law.
  7. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean continues to fly the Pride flag at City Hall, arguing that Idaho House Bill 96, which restricts the display of non-official flags, lacks clear definitions and enforcement mechanisms.
  8. Anti-discrimination activists view this defiance as a significant moment for the struggle for equality, while opponents argue that such flag displays divide communities and violate the principle of government neutrality, leading to broader societal debates about political neutrality, freedom of expression, and the role of government in enforcing these values.

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