Blue cities figure out a workaround to red-state law limiting government Pride flags

Virtue signaling is strong in two Rocky Mountain cities that are defying red state laws limiting which flags can be flown on government buildings.

A new law to bar most flags except for Old Glory and military flags went into effect in Democrat-run Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Fox News Digital reported.

But, in a last-ditch move, Mayor Erin Mendenhall adopted four “official” flags before the law took effect. Its existing flag, as well as modified versions of the Progress Pride, Transgender Pride, and Juneteenth flags, were all included, according to Fox.

JUST IN: Salt Lake City has just made the LGBTQ flags officially CITY FLAGS in order to circumvent the state’s ban on the flag in government buildings.

This crap is DEMONIC.
pic.twitter.com/uf702UC6xf

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 7, 2025

“My sincere intent is not to provoke or cause division,” Mendenhall said, according to The AP.

“My intent is to represent our city’s values and honor our dear, diverse residents who make up this beautiful city and the legacy of pain and progress that they have endured,” she continued.

Republican House Speaker Mike Schultz didn’t see it that way and slammed the “theatrics.”

“This law is about keeping government spaces neutral and welcoming to all,” Schultz said. “Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political theatrics.”

Meanwhile, Democrats in Boise, Idaho, were simultaneously circumventing a similar law regarding flag neutrality.

Mayor Lauren McLean has flown the pride flag over City Hall in defiance of local law, according to Fox.  She also issued a proclamation last week “retroactively designating the pride flag as an official city flag,” Fox reported.

Libs of TikTok slammed the move, saying, “Democrats are desperate to groom your kids.”

Boise City Council just passed a resolution recognizing the pride flag as an official city flag to circumvent Idaho law which only allows official city, state and federal flags be flown from government buildings

Democrats are desperate to groom your kids. pic.twitter.com/Tw3fqAlvO1 https://t.co/kBrh3MbNRf

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 7, 2025

Officials from both Boise and Salt Lake City denied that they’re defiant moves were coordinated.

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