Utah has made history by becoming the first state in the US to ban the LGBTQ pride flag from being flown at schools and government buildings. Governor Spencer Cox allowed the legislation to become law without his signature, fearing that his veto would be overturned by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature. The new law, which takes effect on 7 May, imposes fines on state and local government buildings that display any flag outside a pre-approved list, which includes flags like the US flag, Utah state flag, military flags, and a few others approved by lawmakers.
This decision has sparked concerns and backlash, particularly in Salt Lake City, known for its liberal values. The city officials have been illuminating the Salt Lake City and county building in rainbow lights in protest since the bill was sent to the governor’s desk. Governor Cox, in a letter to legislative leaders, expressed support for maintaining political neutrality in schools but criticized the overreach of the law in regulating local governments.
In a related development, the prestigious Sundance Film Festival announced its move from Utah to Boulder, Colorado, after four decades in Park City. While the festival organizers stated that state politics did not directly influence their decision, they mentioned considering “ethos and equity values” during the selection of the new location. Utah’s flag ban goes beyond similar measures in other states like Idaho, which only applies to schools. The ban comes amidst debates about flags and political symbols in public spaces across the US.
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