Two U.S.A. cities make Pride flag their official banner to bypass ban

Pride flags are poised to be displayed in two U.S.A. cities, standing against the Trump administration’s policy concerning flags on U.S.A. government properties.

In Utah and Idaho, legislation prohibits the display of any flag on government buildings and schools, including Pride and trans flags, except for the Star-Spangled Banner and military flags. This law took effect in Utah on Wednesday, May 7. However, one day prior, Salt Lake City, the state capital, circumvented the law by officially adopting four flags. These include modified versions of the Progress Pride, Trans Pride, and Juneteenth flags, the latter marking the end of slavery in the U.S.A, according to ‘MSN’.

Each of these new flags features the state flower, the Sego lily. Mayor Erin Mendenhall presented the flags, stating: “My sincere intent is not to provoke or cause division. My intent is to represent our city’s values and honor our diverse residents who make up this beautiful city, and the legacy of pain and progress they have endured,” as reported by the Associated Press. In contrast, Mike Schultz, the Republican speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, remarked, “This law is about keeping government spaces neutral and welcoming to all. Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political theatrics.”

Simultaneously, in Boise, Idaho, Mayor Lauren McLean issued a retroactive proclamation designating the Pride flag as one of the city’s official flags.

This proclamation also permitted a flag honouring organ donors to be flown.

Idaho’s ban on flags at government buildings started last month, and a distinct law, providing some exemptions for school buildings, will be effective from July 1.