Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has proposed three new city flags to challenge a recent Utah law banning the display of LGBTQ Pride and other identity flags on public buildings. This legislative move, which has sparked outrage among Democrats and civil rights groups, prohibits unsanctioned flag displays and effectively targets LGBTQ and identity flags in a predominantly conservative state. Mendenhall’s proposal, presented to the City Council, includes flags designed to celebrate Juneteenth, LGBTQ rights, and trans rights, reflecting the city’s commitment to inclusion.
The specific flags proposed are the Sego Belonging Flag to honor the LGBTQ community, the Sego Visibility Flag for the trans community, and the Sego Celebration Flag to commemorate Black residents and Juneteenth history. Mendenhall emphasized that city flags should symbolize Salt Lake City’s values of acceptance and unity.
Utah’s new law imposes significant fines of $500 per day on any local government that displays flags not aligned with U.S., state, military, or a select few exempted flags, such as the Olympic flags. Although Governor Spencer Cox expressed some concerns regarding the law’s potential overreach, especially its exclusive focus on flags while neglecting other forms of political expression, he allowed it to take effect without his signature. He addressed the LGBTQ community, expressing appreciation and support amidst the controversial legislation.
The City Council is set to vote on the flag proposal, which is expected to be signed into law by Mendenhall, allowing for immediate implementation. The actions taken by the mayor and council illustrate Salt Lake City’s resistance to state-level restrictions on identity representation.
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