Utah has passed House Bill 77, which bans the display of overtly political flags at government buildings and public schools, with the measure set to take effect on May 7. The bill prohibits the display of flags on government property, with exceptions for the United States flag, state flags, and flags representing other entities. Violators face fines of $500 per day.
Despite expressing support for the bill’s intention, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox did not sign it, expressing reservations about its effectiveness in promoting political neutrality in classrooms. The ACLU of Utah condemned the legislation, arguing that it could lead to restrictions on free speech and expression.
The bill comes amid concerns about promoting progressive ideologies in public schools and American culture, with some areas implementing similar measures to limit displays of political views. The backlash against LGBT advocacy and diversity initiatives has prompted some companies to scale back such activism.
Cox believes that classrooms should be politically neutral spaces where all students feel welcome, and he does not believe that banning flags alone will achieve this goal. The ACLU argues that the bill could lead to further restrictions on speech. The debate over House Bill 77 reflects broader tensions surrounding political expression in public spaces.
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