Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has proposed three new city flags as a response to a recent Utah law that bans flying LGBTQ Pride and identity flags at public buildings. The law, enacted in March, prohibits unsanctioned flag displays at schools, universities, and government buildings, effectively limiting expression of LGBTQ and other identity-related flags in Salt Lake City, a notably progressive area in conservative Utah.
The City Council is set to vote on Mendenhall’s ordinance, which integrates the city’s existing flag with designs honoring Juneteenth, LGBTQ rights, and transgender rights. The three proposed flags include the Sego Belonging Flag for the LGBTQ community, the Sego Visibility Flag for the trans community, and the Sego Celebration Flag to acknowledge Black residents and the Juneteenth holiday.
Mendenhall stated, “Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values,” emphasizing the importance of inclusion and unity for all residents. The law, which takes effect soon, imposes a $500 daily fine for unauthorized flags, limiting permits to the U.S. flag, state flag, and a few exempted ones, including Native American flags and military flags.
Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, expressed concerns over the law but chose not to veto it, citing the intent behind promoting political neutrality, particularly in schools. He acknowledged the shortcomings of the law in regulating expressions beyond flags and specifically addressed the LGBTQ community with a message of appreciation, despite the law’s impact.
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