On Friday, Utah became the first state in the nation to enact a law prohibiting the display of LGBTQ Pride flags and other unsanctioned flags on government property, including public schools.
The legislation, HB77, or the “Flag Display Amendments,” was passed by the Utah Legislature earlier this month and became law without Governor Spencer Cox’s signature because he declined to sign or veto it.
Effective May 7, 2025, the law restricts flag displays to a specific list, including the U.S. flag, the Utah state flag, military flags, and a few other approved categories.
There will be a $500 daily fine for any flag violations.
The legislation was introduced by Representative Trevor Lee and co-sponsored by Senator Dan McCay, both Republicans.
Originally, the bill only targeted public schools but was expanded to include all government buildings and property.
HB77 passed the Utah House in February with a vote of 49-20, as some Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. The Senate approved it in March with a 21-8 vote, again seeing bipartisan dissent from Senators Daniel Thatcher and Todd Weiler, who voted with Democrats.
“We want to make sure that if there is something that’s considered political and makes someone feel uncomfortable, that they shouldn’t have to worry about the government pushing and enforcing or pushing any type of ideology on anyone,” Lee said during a Senate Education Committee hearing in February.
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