Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little has signed a bill that would penalize local governments, including the city of Boise, for displaying Pride flags on government property.
House Bill 561, introduced by state Rep. Ted Hill (R-Eagle), would prohibit “governmental entities,” including counties, cities, and other political subdivisions, from displaying unauthorized flags on public land. The bill defines “government property” as “land owned and maintained by the government.” [a] Government buildings, including buildings, adjacent lands, parks, roads, and boulevards. ”
Approved flags include the American flag, the official flag of a city or county designated before 2023, the flag of a military branch or unit, the POW/MIA flag, the American Indian tribal flag, the flag of a college or university, and flags that are “not political, religious, or ideological in nature.”
Republican lawmakers argued that flags such as the Pride flag are not “perspectively neutral” and instead convey “political” or “ideological” messages, justifying the restrictions. Under the law, municipalities would be fined $2,000 per day for displaying unapproved flags, and each flag would be treated as a separate violation.
The law directs the attorney general’s office to prosecute groups that fly unauthorized flags, but requires authorities to notify local governments of violations and give them 10 days to comply before taking legal action. It also includes exemptions for temporary parades and gatherings on government property that are considered free expression of speech.
Last year, the Boise City Council designated the Pride flag and organ donor flag as the official city flag, in an effort to circumvent a state law aimed at banning the display of Pride flags.
Inspired by outrage over Boise’s actions, the Idaho Republican Party is also advancing another bill that would allow the attorney general’s office to temporarily disqualify local elected officials and civil servants accused of “willfully” violating or circumventing state law.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho slammed the new law, arguing that banning the display of pride flags amounts to censorship.
“Supporting the Pride flag sends a message that all people, but especially LGBTQ+ people, are safe, valued, and accepted in our community,” the organization said in a statement. “Banning the flag is a clear violation of the First Amendment and a dangerous step toward controlling how people think and speak in public.”
Minutes after Little signed the bill into law, Boise removed the Pride flag from the flagpole in front of City Hall.
Boise Mayor Lauren MacLean said. idaho capital sun Although the law says it applies to a number of unrecognized flags, it was clear that it intentionally targeted “one flag, and one flag only.”
Addressing a group of citizens gathered as the flag was lowered, MacLean refuted the Republican argument that the Pride flag was somehow “political” or “ideological.” She also said the law does not change the LGBTQ-affirming values that city residents embrace.
Boise City Council President Meredith Stead said: statement The Pride flag is a “symbol of heritage, welcome and safety.”
“We are removing it because we are forced to do so by law,” Stead said. “But our commitment to everyone who saw that flag and felt seen has never wavered for a moment.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
