Utah was the first state to ban the LGBTQ pride flag from schools and all government buildings.
Republican lawmakers have declared it necessary to push the bill and encourage “political neutrality” from teachers and other government officials.
However, House sponsor Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Layton) has picked out the Pride flag as a political “ideology” rather than a symbol of identity.
Under the law that takes effect on May 7th, entities that allow banners representing political ideology or partnerships, including the Pride flag, or MAGA flag, will be fined $500 a day.
Flag It is permitted Display or fly outside government buildings or schools includes American flags, Utah flags, military flags, Olympic and Paralympic flags, university or university flags, tribal flags, and historical versions of approved flags that may be used for educational purposes.
“Taxpayer-funded entities should not promote a political agenda,” Lee said. On social media After Governor Spencer Cox (R) allowed him to become law without his signature. “This is a huge victory for Utah.”
In an open letter, Gov. Cox explained that he had “serious concerns” about the bill, but allowed it to become law without his signature as Republican-controlled Congress overridden the veto he issued.
Cox also expressed support for the ideas behind the bill, especially as it relates to schools. Based on Republican orthodoxy, it argues that simply being as an LGBTQ person is a “political act” rather than a natural fact.
“We deeply believe that our classrooms need to be a place where everyone is welcome. “Parents are rightly upset when they take their children to publicly funded schools and see the culture war symbols in non-political places. We appreciate that the bill is neutral about the type of flag in question (and I think it’s strange that there’s no heading “Maga flags prohibited from classrooms.”) ”
Cox called on the Utah Board of Education to pass policies that ensure that classrooms remain in a politically neutral environment. “The idea that children can only feel welcome at school is wrong if a teacher sets up a rainbow flag,” he added.
Cox pointed out that the bill targeted only flags, not just posters, signs, drawings or other items with political references from the classroom. He also said he believes the bill is too far away as it relates to local government buildings.
“I think it’s wrong for city and county officials to fly a divisive flag, but I think there are consequences for elections and the best way to stop that action is to select people who believe differently,” he writes. “I think this bill is just about adding fuel to the fire and ratcheting the creative use of political symbolism (for example, lighting used in place of flags).”
Cox attempted to provide an olive branch to members of the infuriated LGBTQ community.
“Politics can sometimes become a bloody sport and we know that there was a disagreement,” the governor wrote. “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. I am grateful that you are part of our condition. I know that these words may sound hollow to many of you, but I know that I mean them wholeheartedly.”
Cox’s decision comes hours after the Sundance Film Festival announced its relocation from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado. Festival leaders said politics had no impact on movement, but they reported that “the value of spirit and stock” has “called Boulder as a “comfortable environment” and created one of the criteria to consider when choosing a new host city. Associated Press.
A law that is almost identical to Utah has been proposed in Florida, where it could pass.
Equality Utah, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, has attempted to lobby for a language that reaffirms protection against discrimination among LGBTQ students. Removed a clause that would allow lawsuit parents to sue teachers to display the flag of pride in the classroom. I believe that banning is illegal.
“The states are able to silence local governments’ rights of speech and set dangerous precedents that make bills constitutionally questionable,” the organization said in a statement. “We are LGBTQ Utahns. This is our home. This is our country. We don’t go anywhere.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
