A bill that aimed to ban pride flags in schools and government properties was amended after sponsor Rep. Trevor Lee suggested it could allow the display of Nazi and Confederate flags in classrooms. The amended bill now allows flags related to a school district or charter school’s curriculum to be displayed in classrooms. Flags listed as exemptions include those of the U.S., Utah, military, other countries, Native American tribes, and colleges.
The changes to the bill came after criticism and concerns about censorship of history and targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Rep. Sahara Hayes, the legislature’s only openly LGBTQ lawmaker, expressed worry about the overreach of the bill into government buildings. The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Utah pushed for an amendment to affirm that Utah classrooms are welcoming places for all students.
Sen. Nate Blouin criticized the focus on the flag bill, calling it a distraction from important matters. He also expressed disappointment with Rep. Lee’s comments regarding Nazi and Confederate flags. Blouin is hopeful the bill may not pass through the Senate.
This is not the first attempt by GOP lawmakers to ban pride flags in schools, with a similar effort made the previous year. Rep. Lee has faced criticism for his previous comments on race and the LGBTQ+ community, including using slurs and making derogatory remarks on social media. The bill is now under scrutiny for potential constitutional issues and concerns over its implications on free speech and discrimination.
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