Utah has become the first state to prohibit pride flags from being displayed in public schools and on government property after Gov. Spencer Cox allowed a bill restricting non-sanctioned flags to become law without his signature or veto. The law takes effect on May 7.
The bill, HB77, was introduced by Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, with the primary goal of banning pride flags in schools. The final version of the bill expanded the ban to all government-owned property.
Gov. Cox sent a letter to lawmakers explaining his decision, saying he had “serious concerns” about the bill, particularly the parts that apply to government property. However, he said he did not veto it because he expected the Legislature would override his decision anyway, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
“As tired as Utahns are of politically divisive symbols, I think they are also tired of culture war bills that don’t solve the problems they intend to fix,” Cox wrote.
“In an attempt to make some kids feel more welcome, other kids feel less welcome,” he wrote. “I appreciate that the bill is neutral on the types of flags in question (and I find it strange that no headline reads ‘MAGA flags banned from classrooms’).”
Under the new law, only certain flags are permitted for display, including the US flag, Utah state flag, Native American tribal flags, Olympic flags, military flags, foreign national flags, and college or university flags. Historical versions of the US and Utah flags are also allowed, and flags displayed as part of an approved curriculum for educational purposes are exempt.
The law will be enforced by the state auditor, who will have the authority to fine public schools and government entities that violate the ban. Cox pointed out that restricting only flags would likely lead to other types of political expressions in schools, such as posters or light displays.
“To those legislators who supported this bill,” he wrote, “I’m sure it will not fix what you are trying to fix.”
Cox also urged the State Board of Education to continue working toward making classrooms more politically neutral.
“The idea that kids can only feel welcome in a school if a teacher puts up a rainbow flag is just wrong,” he said. “Let’s do everything possible to make our classrooms one of the last remaining politically neutral places in our state.”
While he backed the bill’s intent for schools, Cox said banning flags from all government buildings went too far.
“While I think it’s wrong for city and county officials to fly divisive flags, I believe that elections have consequences and the best way to stop that behavior is to elect people who believe differently,” he wrote. “All this bill does is add more fuel to the fire.”
In closing, Cox directly addressed Utah’s LGBTQ community, acknowledging that recent legislation has been difficult.
“I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state,” he wrote. “I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely.”
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