Utah grew to become the primary state to ban LGBTQ+ pleasure flags from being flown at authorities buildings and colleges in a transfer that additionally bans political flags similar to these with President Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, introduced he was permitting the ban on unsanctioned flag shows to change into regulation with out his signature. Though he continues to have critical issues in regards to the coverage, the governor selected to not reject the proposal as a result of the Republican-controlled legislature would doubtless have overridden his veto.
The ban will go into impact on Might 7, when state or native authorities buildings can be fined $500 a day for displaying any flag apart from the American flag, the Utah state flag, army flags or a handful of others permitted by lawmakers.
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Utah grew to become the primary state to ban LGBTQ+ pleasure flags from being flown at authorities buildings and colleges. (AP)
Political flags supporting a candidate or get together, together with MAGA flags, can be prohibited beneath the regulation.
The brand new regulation might put the state and its largest metropolis, Salt Lake Metropolis, at odds. Metropolis buildings within the metropolis sometimes honor Satisfaction Month every June by displaying flags that commemorate its LGBTQ+ inhabitants.
Native leaders in Salt Lake Metropolis and Salt Lake County have illuminated town and county buildings with rainbow lights every night time because the invoice was despatched to Cox’s desk in protest of the laws.
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Political flags supporting a candidate or get together, together with MAGA flags, can be prohibited beneath the regulation. (Getty Photos)
Salt Lake Metropolis Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s workplace mentioned their attorneys are reviewing the regulation, however the metropolis doesn’t but have particulars on what it would do when the regulation takes impact.
The invoice’s sponsors, Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay, each of whom are Republicans, mentioned the measure goals to encourage “political neutrality” from academics and different authorities workers.
Opponents argue that the regulation seeks to root out LGBTQ+ expression and take away authority away from cities and cities that don’t align politically with the legislature’s GOP majority.
Cox mentioned in a letter to legislative leaders explaining his choice that he agreed with the “underlying intent” of the invoice to make lecture rooms politically impartial however believed it went too far in limiting native governments. The governor additionally highlighted that the regulation, because it narrowly focuses on flags, doesn’t ban different political shows similar to posters or lighting.
Gov. Spencer Cox mentioned he selected to not reject the proposal as a result of the Republican-controlled legislature would doubtless have overridden his veto. (AP Photograph/Rick Bowmer)
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“To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult,” Cox mentioned.
“Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times and I know we’ve had our disagreements,” the governor continued. “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state. I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
