Utah Bans LGBTQ+ Pride Flags in Schools and Public Buildings

Utah has become the first state in the nation to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags from being displayed in public schools and government buildings, following a contentious decision by Republican Governor Spencer Cox.

The governor allowed the bill to become law without signing it, citing concerns about its overreach but acknowledging that a veto would likely be overridden by the Republican-dominated Legislature.

The new law, effective May 7, imposes a $500 daily fine on state or local government buildings that display flags not included on a legislatively approved list.

Authorized flags include the U.S. flag, Utah’s state flag, military flags, and a select few others, such as Olympic and tribal flags. Political banners, including campaign-related flags like “Make America Great Again,” are also prohibited under the legislation.

Governor Cox explained his decision in a letter to lawmakers, expressing agreement with the bill’s goal of promoting political neutrality in schools but voicing concerns about its impact on local governments.

“While I support the intent to keep classrooms free from political influence, this law goes too far in regulating local authorities,” Cox wrote. He also acknowledged the frustration it may cause for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, adding, “I know these words may feel hollow to some, but I want you to know that I value and appreciate your contributions to our state.”

The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue that it unfairly targets LGBTQ+ representation and erodes local control. Salt Lake City, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, has responded by lighting city buildings in rainbow colors nightly since the bill was passed.

City officials are currently reviewing the law’s implications for future Pride Month celebrations, which traditionally include flying rainbow flags at municipal buildings.

Republican sponsors of the bill, Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay, defended it as a measure to ensure neutrality among teachers and government employees.

However, critics see it as part of a broader effort to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces. “This isn’t about neutrality—it’s about erasure,” one opponent argued.

The timing of the legislation has added to tensions within Utah’s cultural landscape. Just hours before Governor Cox’s announcement, the Sundance Film Festival revealed it would be relocating from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, after more than 40 years.

While festival leaders denied that state politics directly influenced their decision, they emphasized their commitment to “ethos and equity values” and described Boulder as a more inclusive environment.

Utah’s new law is part of a growing trend across conservative states seeking to limit displays of political or social advocacy in public spaces.

Similar measures have been introduced in Idaho and Florida, with Idaho recently passing a law banning pride flags in schools and Florida lawmakers advancing similar proposals.

Despite the backlash, Governor Cox urged Utahns to remain focused on fostering understanding amid political divides. “As polarized as these issues have become,” he said, “we must find ways to bridge our differences without resorting to culture war battles that deepen divisions.”