Utah grew to become the primary state to ban LGBTQ+ delight flags from being flown at authorities buildings and faculties in a transfer that additionally bans political flags resembling these with President Donald Trump’s slogan, “Make America Nice Once more.”
Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, introduced he was permitting the ban on unsanctioned flag shows to turn into legislation with out his signature. Though he continues to have critical considerations concerning the coverage, the governor selected to not reject the proposal as a result of the Republican-controlled legislature would probably have overridden his veto.
The ban will go into impact on Could 7, when state or native authorities buildings might be fined $500 a day for displaying any flag aside from the American flag, the Utah state flag, army flags or a handful of others authorized by lawmakers.
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Utah grew to become the primary state to ban LGBTQ+ delight flags from being flown at authorities buildings and faculties. (AP)
Political flags supporting a candidate or social gathering, together with MAGA flags, might be prohibited below the legislation.
The brand new legislation might put the state and its largest metropolis, Salt Lake Metropolis, at odds. Metropolis buildings within the metropolis sometimes honor Satisfaction Month every June by displaying flags that remember its LGBTQ+ inhabitants.
Native leaders in Salt Lake Metropolis and Salt Lake County have illuminated the town and county buildings with rainbow lights every evening for the reason that invoice was despatched to Cox’s desk in protest of the laws.
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Political flags supporting a candidate or social gathering, together with MAGA flags, might be prohibited below the legislation. (Getty Pictures)
Salt Lake Metropolis Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s workplace stated their attorneys are reviewing the legislation, however the metropolis doesn’t but have particulars on what it’s going to do when the legislation takes impact.
The invoice’s sponsors, Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay, each of whom are Republicans, stated the measure goals to encourage “political neutrality” from academics and different authorities workers.
Opponents argue that the legislation seeks to root out LGBTQ+ expression and take away authority away from cities and cities that don’t align politically with the legislature’s GOP majority.
Cox stated in a letter to legislative leaders explaining his choice that he agreed with the “underlying intent” of the invoice to make lecture rooms politically impartial however believed it went too far in proscribing native governments. The governor additionally highlighted that the legislation, because it narrowly focuses on flags, doesn’t ban different political shows resembling posters or lighting.
Gov. Spencer Cox stated he selected to not reject the proposal as a result of the Republican-controlled legislature would probably have overridden his veto. (AP Picture/Rick Bowmer)
“To our LGBTQ group, I do know that latest laws has been tough,” Cox stated.
“Politics could be a little bit of a blood sport at instances and I do know we have had our disagreements,” the governor continued. “I would like you to know that I like and respect you and I’m grateful that you’re a part of our state. I do know these phrases might ring hole to lots of you, however please know that I imply them sincerely.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
