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The full screen Pride Manifestation outside Utah’s state assembly in June 2023. Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP/TT
As the first US state, Utah has banned schools and other government buildings to flag with the rainbow flag.
From May 7, all local government offices will be fined with $ 500 (around SEK 5,000) if they flag with any flag other than the few flags allowed. Among the flags that are banned are also political flags that support a party or candidate – including flags in support of President Donald Trump.
Republican governor Spencer Cox announced that the law was adopted after he chose not to put his veto it – even though he himself does not support the proposal. A veto, he says, would only be run over to the state congress.
The ban can create some conflict in Salt Lake City, the relatively liberal metropolis in Utah where local political leaders have recently illuminated public buildings with rainbow colors.
In a statement, Spencer Cox turns to LGBTQI groups in Utah and says they “love” them and that he is grateful that they are part of the state community.
“I know this may sound like empty words, but you should know that they are genuinely meant,” he writes.