Utah’s largest city is trying to get around the state’s law banning unauthorized flags at government buildings. On Tuesday, May 6, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall raised a proposal to the city council to continue displaying LGBTQ+, transgender and Juneteenth flags ahead of the law taking effect.
“Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values,” Mendenhall said in a statement. “I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity and inclusion—leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.”
Utah state law bans unauthorized flags at government properties
A new Utah law restricts which flags can be flown on public property, only allowing for authorized flags such as the American flag, the state flag or a city’s official flag. House Bill 77, passed during the 2025 legislative session, officially took effect May 7. Civil rights groups said the legislation targeted the LGBTQ+ community.
Salt Lake City Council approves ordinance to ‘celebrate human rights’ through flags
In a vote, the Salt Lake City Council adopted a new flag ordinance that blends the city’s traditional sego lily flag with designs meant to “celebrate human rights.” The proposed flags are the Sego Celebration Flag, honoring Juneteenth and Black residents; the Sego Belonging Flag, supporting the LGBTQIA community; and the Sego Visibility Flag, recognizing and celebrating transgender residents.
“Like other civic symbols, these flags reflect our shared humanity and the values that help everyone feel they belong—no matter their background, orientation or beliefs,” Salt Lake City Council Chair Chris Wharton said. “While the state has restricted which flags public buildings can fly, I’m glad we can still uphold our community’s values within the law.”
What does the community say?
Project Rainbow showed appreciation for the city council after it passed the ordinance.
“Being an ally requires actions as well as words, so we salute Salt Lake City for showing up for LGBTQ+ Utahns,” Executive Director Jacey Thornton said.
The organization said they have passed out thousands of flags since 2018 and have heard concerns from the community regarding the law.
“We wish to reiterate to the public that HB 77 only applies to government property and schools,” Project Rainbow said.
Republican lawmaker says ordinance wastes taxpayer dollars
Utah Republican House Speaker Mike Schultz told Fox 13 News, “Salt Lake City’s move to bypass state law is a clear waste of time and taxpayer resources. This law is about keeping government spaces neutral and welcoming to all. Salt Lake City should focus on real issues, not political theatrics.”
Utah governor disagrees with portions of the law
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox didn’t sign the bill but allowed it to become law, saying he hopes lawmakers will refine it to promote political neutrality in schools. In a letter following the bill’s passage in March, Cox outlined which measures he supported or vetoed.
Regarding House Bill 77, he said, “I deeply believe that our classrooms need to be a place where everyone feels welcome — free from the politics that are fracturing our country. Parents are rightly upset when they bring their kids to publicly funded schools and see culture-war symbols in a place that should be apolitical.”
Cox warned the law could add fuel to the fire, pushing people to find other ways to express political views. Speaking directly to the LGBTQ+ community, he said, “I want you to know that I love and appreciate you and I am grateful that you are part of our state.”
Government buildings that violate the new law could face a $500 daily fine. Lawmakers made exceptions for Olympic, Paralympic and Native American flags, which are still allowed under the measure.
