According to the Associated Press, the two Democrat-run cities of the Rockies have decided which flags can fly on government property and are paying particular attention to the LGBTQ pride flag.
Both Utah and Idaho have laws in books that prohibit government buildings except for most flags, such as American and military flags. Utah's law came into effect Wednesday.
Utah bans LGBTQ+ Pride flags, Magazine flags and other flags not approved by government buildings.
In an 11-hour bid to avoid future restrictions, Salt Lake City adopted four flags on Tuesday. An existing flag and a revised version of the flag for June, each with a city signature segory pride, transgender pride.
They were gifted by Mayor Erin Mendenhall for adoption via ordinance, her spokesman Andrew Wittenberg explained to Fox News Digital.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall argued that “honest intention” in adopting her city's new flag “is not something to challenge or cause,” according to the Associated Press. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
“My sincere intention is not to cause or cause division,” Mendenhall said.
“My intention is to express the values of our city and honor our dear and diverse inhabitants who constitute this beautiful city and the heritage of pain and progress they endured,” she continued.
Violators of Utah law that Republican Gov. Spencer Cox allows them to pass without his signature can be fined $500 per day. Law proponents argue that it is a problem with the institutions that maintain political neutrality.
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“The law is about keeping government space neutral and welcoming everyone,” said Republican House Speaker Mike Schultz. “Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not on political theatres.”
Meanwhile, in Boise, Idaho, Mayor Lauren McLean issued a declaration last week retroactively designating the Pride flag as the official city flag.
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said he believes Idaho laws restricting flag displays in government buildings are unenforceable. (AP photo/Kyle Green, file)
McLean argued that the Idaho law is not healthy and even flew the city hall flag of pride after it was enacted.
McLean has not yet responded to a request for comment on Fox News Digital.
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While MacLean and Mendenhall spoke on Monday night to discuss their respective plans for their cities, Wittenberg highlighted Fox News Digital that there was “previous or additional adjustments” among city officials.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
