Context:

In response to state laws prohibiting unofficial flags on government property, Salt Lake City and Boise have adopted new official flags. Salt Lake City approved flags featuring the Pride colors, transgender Pride colors, and a symbol for Juneteenth, all incorporating the sego lily, while Boise designated the rainbow Pride flag and a flag promoting organ donation. The Utah law, criticized for targeting L.G.B.T.Q. symbols, was enacted despite Governor Spencer Cox's concerns about its broadness. Salt Lake City's Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the new flags as symbols of diversity and unity, while some state officials criticized the city's actions as political theatrics. A similar bill in Florida failed to pass, highlighting differing state approaches to flag display legislation.

Dive Deeper:

• Salt Lake City and Boise have responded to Utah and Idaho's new laws prohibiting unofficial flags on government property by adopting new official city flags to represent inclusivity and diversity. Salt Lake City's new flags include the Pride flag, the transgender Pride flag, and a Juneteenth flag, all featuring the sego lily, a symbol of the city and state.

• In Boise, the City Council has made the rainbow Pride flag and a flag promoting organ donation official city flags, emphasizing the city's values of caring for and welcoming all community members.

• The Utah law passed in March restricts the display of non-approved flags at public schools and government buildings, allowing only certain flags like the American and state flags, but is seen as a move to prevent the display of Pride flags.

• Governor Spencer Cox of Utah allowed the law to pass without his signature, expressing concerns about its extensive reach but acknowledging that a veto would likely be overridden. The law's sponsors have indicated that a key motivation was to bar L.G.B.T.Q. flags.

• Salt Lake City's Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the city's new flags aim to promote unity and reflect the community's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, despite criticism from state officials who view the move as wasteful.

• State officials, such as Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, have criticized Salt Lake City's actions as political theatrics, suggesting that the city should focus on more pressing issues.

• A similar legislative effort in Florida, aimed at banning flags expressing political viewpoints, did not succeed, contrasting with the legislation that passed in Utah and Idaho, showcasing different state responses to the issue.