Salt Lake City defies state law with new LGBTQ+ flags
- Salt Lake City proposed a plan to continue displaying flags representing LGBTQ+ and Juneteenth communities after a state law banning unauthorized flags took effect.
- The city council voted to adopt new flags, emphasizing their commitment to diversity and inclusion despite opposition from state Republican leaders.
- This move reflects ongoing tensions between state regulations and local governance in matters of civil rights.
In the United States, Salt Lake City, Utah, is challenging a new law that restricts the display of unauthorized flags on government properties. On May 6, 2025, Mayor Erin Mendenhall proposed a plan to the city council to continue displaying the LGBTQ+, transgender, and Juneteenth flags even after the law took effect on May 7. The law, which was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, prohibits the flying of any flags except for authorized ones like the American flag and state flag, a decision that many believe specifically targets the LGBTQ+ community. Civil rights advocates expressed their discontent with the law, asserting that it undermines the values of diversity and inclusion. In response to the controversial ban, Salt Lake City’s city council voted to adopt new city flags that symbolize support for LGBTQ+ residents, effectively circumventing the limitations imposed by the state law. The council’s Chair, Chris Wharton, emphasized the importance of civic symbols in reflecting shared values that foster a sense of belonging for all community members. Republican lawmakers, including Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, criticized the city’s resolution. Schultz argues that the city should focus on more pressing issues instead of what he labels as political theatrics. Even so, supporters of Project Rainbow and other advocacy groups celebrated the ordinance's passage, reflecting the broader community's stance against the flag restrictions and their commitment to maintaining inclusivity. Additionally, while Mayor Mendenhall is determined to uphold the city's values through the display of these flags, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has expressed mixed feelings about the law. He allowed House Bill 77 to become law without his signature, suggesting that it may require refinement to better promote political neutrality in educational environments. This ongoing tension between state legislation and local governance illustrates the complexities of political representation and the significant public discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Utah.