Utah has made history by becoming the first state in the nation to ban LGBTQ pride flags from public schools and government property.
The bombshell legislation, which takes effect May 7, restores traditional American values to government buildings by limiting displays to only official government flags and those with clear educational purposes.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox allowed House Bill 77 to become law without his signature, enabling the Republican-dominated legislature’s measure to move forward.
The new law requires public schools and government buildings to display only approved flags, such as the U.S. flag, state flags, and flags that serve specific educational purposes.
State Representative Trevor Lee, who sponsored the bill, initially targeted pride flags specifically before expanding the legislation to cover all government property.
The law imposes significant consequences for violations. The state auditor is authorized to enforce a $500 daily fine for displaying any flag outside the pre-approved list.
The legislation has been warmly welcomed by many Utahns who believe schools should remain politically neutral spaces.
It marks a significant victory for parents concerned about the increasing politicization of educational environments.
The ban also prohibits political flags promoting specific candidates or parties, ensuring government institutions maintain their proper focus on serving all citizens equally.
While Governor Cox allowed the bill to become law, he expressed some reservations about its approach.
“As tired as Utahns are of politically divisive symbols, I think they are also tired of culture war bills that don’t solve the problems they intend to fix,” Cox stated.
The new law has predictably upset liberal activists. Left-leaning Salt Lake City officials have attempted to bypass the legislation by illuminating buildings in rainbow lights.
The Utah Pride Center and other LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have expressed disappointment and are considering litigation.
Utah’s novel legislation is already inspiring similar measures across the country.
Idaho has implemented a comparable policy specifically for schools, while Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, and other states are considering following Utah’s lead in restricting political messaging on government property.
The Sundance Film Festival announced its relocation to Colorado after the bill’s passage.
Organizers cited concerns about “ethos and equity values” and creating a “welcoming environment.”
The law specifically allows educational use of flags when appropriate for the curriculum.
This ensures that government buildings remain focused on their core mission rather than becoming platforms for political advocacy.
It represents a commonsense approach to restoring neutrality to public spaces while respecting the proper role of government institutions.
As more states consider similar measures, the movement to keep political activism out of schools and government buildings continues to gain momentum across the nation.
Utah becomes first US state to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in public schools and government buildings, with a $500 daily fine for violations. pic.twitter.com/VVH10DdOF4
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) March 29, 2025
