The Salt Lake City Council passed an ordinance this week making the LGBTQ flag an official flag of the city. The vote stands in contrast to a state law that prohibits the Pride flag from being flown in government buildings.
“Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “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.”
The three flags added to the city are the Sego Celebration Flag, representing Juneteenth, the Sego Belonging Flag, representing LGBTQ residents, and the Sego Visibility Flag, representing transgender individuals.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
In March, Republican Governor Spencer Cox allowed HB77 to become law without his signature. Under HB77, flags that may be displayed include those of the United States, the state flag, flags representing cities, the military, Native American tribes, colleges and universities, and the Olympics.
Salt Lake City worked to include the flags under the law’s “exempted flag” guidelines.
The development comes as the city council of Boise, Idaho, also passed a resolution recognizing the Pride flag.
