Salt Lake City and Boise, Idaho, have recently adopted new official city flags that reflect their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, coinciding with the enforcement of a Utah law that limits which flags can be displayed on public properties.
This new legislation, known as HB 77, prohibits public entities, including universities, from displaying flags other than a select list. This limitation includes the U.S. flag, the Utah state flag, as well as flags of other states and cities.
In response to this law, Salt Lake City’s newly adopted flags provide a creative solution that allows the city to continue its support for the LGBTQ+ community while adhering to the state’s restrictions.
The Salt Lake City Council has approved three distinct city flags: the Sego Celebration Flag, the Sego Belonging Flag, and the Sego Visibility Flag. These designs aim to honor the histories of Black and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Similarly, Boise’s city officials took action on May 7, approving a redesign of the city flag that features a rainbow stripe along the bottom. According to The Associated Press, this change was made in part to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the current political landscape of Idaho.
A spokesperson for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the city’s desire to represent the values of its residents. “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,” she stated.
The designs of the new flags incorporate a sego lily flower, which has been part of Salt Lake City’s flag since 2020. The sego lily is seen as a symbol of the community’s resilience. In a recent interview, Mendenhall elaborated, saying, “Let the sego lily represent the beauty and resilience of everyone who lives here, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, faith, income or sexual orientation.”
To understand the perspectives of young people about the implications of HB 77 and the new flags, The Daily Utah Chronicle conducted an anonymous survey among students at the University of Utah. The responses revealed a divide, with 45.5% of students strongly opposing the flag restrictions in HB 77, while 36.4% expressed strong support for the legislation.
Among the students surveyed, two identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community, while the rest did not. Additionally, three students belonged to a racial or ethnic minority group, six did not, and one preferred not to disclose their identity.
One student passionately condemned the bill, asserting that it fails to promote inclusivity. They stated, “Everyone deserves to be supported, included, and accepted, regardless of who they are.”
Conversely, another student voiced support for HB 77, arguing that public entities should maintain neutrality regarding flag displays. “Personal property and private business should be allowed to hang flags as they please, but government-funded institutions like buildings and schools should not be allowed to promote certain beliefs over others,” they said.
In addition, a student supporting the flag ban claimed that the American and Utah state flags are sufficient for unifying the community, deeming other flags unnecessary. “If we are hanging an American flag, it represents unity and all of us as a whole,” they contended.
The newly adopted flags sparked varying reactions, with some students interpreting the decision as a sign that Salt Lake City values love, inclusion, and its youth. However, others expressed concerns that this focus on flag redesigns detracted attention from more pressing issues, such as illegal immigration and homelessness.
“A flag rebrand shows solidarity with those who have been continuously oppressed by the Utah government,” one student noted. “A new flag shows that Utah is not a lost cause in terms of right-wing propaganda and oppression.”
Another student, who opposed the flag bans, commended Mayor Mendenhall for defending the inclusion of all people against legislators’ fear-driven actions. “Utah legislators are making choices that harm their students out of fear and bigotry. I commend Mayor Mendenhall for taking a stand and supporting the inclusion of all types of people,” they remarked.
The survey also asked students their opinions on whether other states might follow suit with similar legislation to HB 77. Responses varied widely, with some anticipating that HB 77 marks a beginning trend of flag restrictions, while others perceived it as a wake-up call for awareness in America.
One student cautioned that “Utah has become a laughingstock due to these corrupt policies, and it is only a matter of time until they bleed out into the rest of the country.”
In contrast, another student remarked that Salt Lake City’s initiatives are an overreach meant to impose certain views within government-supported institutions, thereby limiting the voices of all people. “No, as Salt Lake City is attempting to force ideas on people in government-sponsored institutions and thus is limiting the voices of all people,” they stated.
As the discussion continues, The Daily Utah Chronicle also inquired whether students feel that HB 77 will influence the climate of inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation at the university.
One student expressed concern that the bill might create a perception that the university is condoning a shift away from inclusivity. They noted, however, that communications from the university emphasize their ongoing commitment to inclusivity despite the new restrictions.
Another student opposing HB 77 warned that the legislation compounds the damage from HB 261, which previously led to the closure of the LGBT Pride Center and Women’s Resource Center. “College is a space of learning and expanding our horizons, which includes the acceptance and understanding of those who may be different from us,” they explained.
In contrast, a student in favor of HB 77 asserted that the flag ban will have no impact on inclusivity efforts, arguing, “I think that the U is already inclusive, and it won’t be less inclusive without a pride flag. Just because you can’t hang the flag does not mean you are not welcome on campus.”
The recent changes in Salt Lake City and Boise highlight ongoing dialogues about representation, inclusivity, and the ways local governments respond to state legislation. As communities navigate the implications of laws like HB 77, the stance taken by these cities reflects their commitments to diversity and the values held by their residents.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
