Utah Bans Pride Flags From Government Buildings, Schools In Pursuit Of ‘Political Neutrality’

Utah became the first state Thursday to ban the flying of pride flags at all state government buildings and schools.

The restrictions follow Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s permitting the legislative ban on unsanctioned flag displays to become a law without his signature, according to The Associated Press (AP). The governor said he is concerned about the policy but decided to not reject it as a veto would likely be overridden by the state’s Republican-led legislature.

The ban will take effect May 7, 2025. Local and state government buildings would then face a fine of $500 a day for flying any flag other than those on a list approved by officials, the outlet reported. The approved flags include the U.S. flag, military flags and the Utah state flag, among others.

The ban also means flags supporting certain political candidates or parties would not be allowed, including President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” flag, according to AP.

Republican state sponsors Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay explained the bill is meant to encourage “political neutrality” from government employees and teachers, the outlet reported. Cox reportedly said in a letter to legislative leaders he agrees with the “underlying intent” of the law to make classrooms a place of political neutrality. The governor added he believes it went too far in regulating local governments, according to the outlet. (RELATED: ‘Traded Ideas For Ideology’: Nearly 75% Of College Faculty Believe Academic Freedom Is In Danger).

Utah becomes first state to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in government buildings and schools https://t.co/bgAqrVvtWk pic.twitter.com/KhrPDuM8Qz

— New York Post (@nypost) March 28, 2025

Idaho previously enacted a law restricting types of flags allowed to be displayed in schools. Its ban takes effect July 1, 2025.