On May 7, 2025, a new bill will go into effect, banning the display of certain flags on government property. H.B. 77 has outlined multiple exceptions for approved flags; this list does not include LGBTQ+ pride flags. The state is the first in the nation to pass this kind of bill.
In a letter to lawmakers on Thursday evening, Gov. Spencer Cox expressed concerns with the bill, though he ultimately chose not to veto it. He stated that any veto would likely be overridden by the Legislature.
His letter goes on to say that while he agrees with the bill’s intention to create politically neutral spaces, its jurisdiction over local government facilities is overreach. In reference to how pride flags are displayed in public schools, he believes that school districts should establish their own policies.
“I know that recent legislation has been difficult. Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times, and I know we have had our disagreements,” Cox wrote to Utah’s LGBTQ+ community members. “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state.”
The official flag of the United States of America and the Utah State flag will be allowed to fly. Flags representing schools, colleges and universities, military branches, Native American tribes and the official flags of the Olympics and Paralympics will not be affected by this law.
It is not just pride flags that are targeted by this bill; flags supporting a specific party or candidate are also prohibited. This means that even President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again flags will be banned.
However, Trevor Lee, chief sponsor of the bill, took to X on Jan. 3 to say, “My bill specifies which flags can be displayed in classrooms. It would ban Pride flags from schools.”
This social media post led many to believe that the bill was directed towards LGBTQ+ presence in public schools.
A statement from the Utah Pride Center reads, “While we understand the complex political reality that this bill would likely have been passed regardless of the governor’s decision, we are deeply saddened to see it move forward into law.”
UPC thanked Gov. Cox for his statement of support towards the LGBTQ+ community. They also invited him, as well as all Utah residents, to join them as they carry the world’s largest transgender pride flag to the south steps of the Utah State Capitol building on Sunday, March 29 — Transgender Visibility Day.
Southern Utah University is a public university, meaning its campus is government-owned property and falls under this bill’s jurisdiction.
Author: Heather Turner
Photos courtesy of Randy Likness and Andrew Brown
Editor: Anna Mower
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