Idaho Republicans advance bill to impose hefty fines on cities flying Pride flag

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Idaho Republicans advance bill to impose hefty fines on cities flying Pride flags

https://www.advocate.com/politics/states/idaho-pride-flag-fines 🔗

Christopher Wiggins (25 March 2026)

Idaho Republicans are moving to fine the state's largest city thousands of dollars a day for flying the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, escalating a broader push targeting LGBTQ+ rights across the state.

The state Senate passed House Bill 561 this week, which would allow Idaho to fine cities like Boise $2,000 per day, per flag, for displaying banners not permitted under state law. Each day would count as a separate violation, and the measure authorizes the Idaho attorney general to enforce the penalties. The measure is aimed squarely at the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, which has flown over city buildings in the state's capital for years.

The proposal builds on a 2025 law that restricted which flags could be displayed on government property but lacked a clear enforcement mechanism. The new legislation would impose daily fines and give the Idaho attorney general authority to pursue enforcement of violations, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.

After lawmakers passed last year's restriction, Boise officials found a workaround: They designated the Pride flag as an official city flag, allowing it to remain in place. The new bill is designed to close that loophole, the Idaho Capital Sun reports, effectively forcing the city to take the flag down or face mounting penalties. The legislation clarifies that only a limited set of flags, such as the U.S. flag, the Idaho state flag, official government flags, and certain military or tribal flags, may be displayed on public property.

[Lori Dee ✅]

We need a Jolly Roger flag in Pride colors.

Arrrh, me maties!