Salt Lake City’s Mayor Erin Mendenhall has proposed three new city flags to navigate a recent Utah law that bans flying LGBTQ Pride and identity flags at public buildings. This law, effective March 2023, marks Utah as the first state to restrict such flag displays at schools, universities, and government buildings, aiming for “political neutrality.” The proposal, presented to the City Council, includes the Sego Belonging Flag for LGBTQ residents, the Sego Visibility Flag for the trans community, and the Sego Celebration Flag to honor Black residents and Juneteenth. Mendenhall emphasized the importance of these flags, stating they symbolize Salt Lake City’s commitment to inclusion and unity.
The law imposes hefty fines on local governmental entities that display any flags outside a limited list of sanctioned ones, including the U.S. flag and specific military flags, while excluding political symbols. Though Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the law’s intent to promote neutrality, he expressed concerns over its extent and shortcomings, particularly concerning its focus on flags alone while neglecting other political expressions like posters. He also reached out to the LGBTQ community, affirming his appreciation and support, although he recognized that his words might not suffice for those affected by the new restrictions.
The City Council is set to vote on Mendenhall’s proposal, which is expected to pass and be enacted immediately. This move reflects Salt Lake City’s contrasting stance within a predominantly conservative Utah, aiming to uphold values of inclusion and acceptance amidst legal restraints.
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