Salt Lake City designates LGBTQ+ pride flags as official flags to skirt a hateful state law
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/salt-lake-city-designates-lgbtq-pride-flags-as-official-flags-to-skirt-a-hateful-state-law/
By Molly Sprayregen (7 May 2025)
As part of what appears to be a growing trend by Democratic mayors, Salt Lake City has approved a version of the Pride flag as an official city flag to circumvent a law preventing public buildings from flying unofficial flags.
Along with the rainbow Pride flag, the Salt Lake City Council adopted a version of the trans pride flag and also one representing Juneteenth and the Black residents of the city.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall (D) proposed the resolution in response to H.B. 77, which banned government buildings from flying any flags except official country, state, and city flags, flags of other countries, Native American tribal flags, and flags for colleges and universities.
"Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City's values," Mendenhall said in a statement. "I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity, and inclusion—leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together."
All three flags include the sego lily emblazoned in the upper corner, similarly to how it is portrayed on the flag of Salt Lake City.
The City Council of Boise, Idaho, also voted 5-1 this week to make the Pride flag a city flag in response to a state law saying only official flags can fly at government buildings.