Utah First State To Banned Rainbow Flags

                                     

 LGBTQ Nation 

By  Molly Sprayregen 

 

Utah has become the first state to ban Pride flags from all government buildings, including schools. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) let the law take effect without his signature, saying he had concerns about the legislation but knew the legislature had the numbers to override a veto, the Associated Press reported.

The law does not explicitly ban Pride flags but rather states that no flags can fly at government buildings other than the state flag, military flags, the American flag, tribal flags, and a few others. State and local government buildings will be fined $500 a day for violating the law, which takes effect May 7.

In a letter, Cox told state lawmakers he agreed with the concept that classrooms should be politically neutral but that the law was too extreme in its regulations of local governments. 

“To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult,” Cox added. “Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times, and I know we’ve had our disagreements. I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state. I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely.”

His letter also reportedly clarified that the law does not apply to other displays like posters or lights. 

Trans activist Alejandra Caraballo called it “cowardly” that Cox let the bill take effect.

In protest of the ban, leaders in Utah’s capital have lit the Salt Lake City and County Building in rainbow lights every night since the bill was sent to Cox. 

Salt Lake City is known for its large LGBTQ+ population and was even ranked one of the queerest cities in America by Advocate in 2016. The tourism site Visit Salt Lake describes the city as “an inclusive urban destination with tons of super gay stuff going on.” 

“No matter how you identify, what you look like, or who you love, you’re welcome here,” the site adds. “We’re a peculiar bunch and we’ll always be proud of that.” 

Earlier this month, hundreds of demonstrators unfurled a 200-foot rainbow banner in front of the Utah state capitol in Salt Lake City to protest the bill.

Supporters of the bill claim they want to refocus schools on education, but opponents say the law will reduce visible support of bullied and marginalized trans and queer students who have been recently targeted by Republican politicians and policies nationwide.

“You will have to fire me before I take down my Pride flag,” Utah teacher J. Ryan Waddoups recently wrote in a letter addressed to state Republicans. “It serves as a symbol to our LGBTQ youth that they are loved, supported, and accepted unconditionally.”

“A Pride flag does not promote homosexuality any more than a U.S. flag promotes invading Greenland or taking over Canada. It simply lets them know that they need not be afraid when they’re in my room,” he continued. “And, I promote the same acceptance for all of my students unless their stance is hostile towards others…”

While it’s unclear how many other states or local governments have passed similar bills, the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Veterans Affairs have all recently issued directives forbidding the flying of Pride flags from government buildings, military installations, and foreign embassies.