Utah became the first state to ban the LGBTQ+ Pride flag from flying in government buildings and schools with a move to ban political flags such as President Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox announced that the ban on displaying unlicensed flags allows it to become law without his signature. He has serious concerns about the policy, but the governor chose not to reject the proposal as it is likely that the Republican-controlled Congress has overturned his veto.
The ban comes into effect on May 7th, when a state or local government building is fined $500 a day to display American flags, Utah flags, military flags, or a small number of non-other flags approved by lawmakers.
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Utah became the first state to ban the LGBTQ+ Pride flag from flying in government buildings and schools. (AP)
Political flags in favour of candidates or parties, including the MAGA flag, are prohibited under the law.
The new law could put the state in conflict with its biggest city, Salt Lake City. City buildings in the city usually honor Pride Month in June each year by displaying flags celebrating the LGBTQ+ population.
Local leaders in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County have been illuminating city and county buildings with rainbow lights every night, ever since the bill was sent to Cox’s desk in protest of the law.
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Political flags in favour of candidates or parties, including the MAGA flag, are prohibited under the law. (Getty Images)
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office said the lawyers are reviewing the law, but the city has yet to have details on what it will do when the law comes into effect.
Rep. Trevor Lee, sponsors of the bill, and Sen. Dan McKay, both Republicans, said the measure was intended to encourage “political neutrality” from teachers and other government officials.
Opponents argue that the law seeks to eradicate LGBTQ+ expressions and remove authority from cities and towns that are not politically lined with the GOP majority in Parliament.
Cox said in a letter to legislative leadership explaining his decision to agree with the “basic intention” of the bill to make classrooms politically neutral, but he believed it was too far from limiting local government. The governor also emphasized that the law focuses narrowly on the flag and does not ban other political exhibits such as posters and lighting.
Gov. Spencer Cox said he chose not to reject the proposal because it is likely that Republican-controlled Congress has overturned his veto. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
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“For our LGBTQ community, I know that laws these days are difficult,” Cox said.
“Politics can sometimes be a bloody sport and we know that there was a disagreement,” the governor continued. “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you, and that you are part of our condition. I know these words may hollow to many of you, but I know that I mean them wholeheartedly.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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