Utah Governor Criticizes Salt Lake City Flags Circumventing Statewide Ban

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has strongly criticized both the state law banning Pride and other political flags from government buildings and schools, and Salt Lake City's response of adopting new flags incorporating city logos on Pride, transgender, and Juneteenth flag designs to circumvent the ban. Cox called the bill and the new flags 'dumb,' expressing frustration that the Legislature intervened in such matters and lamenting the divisiveness it has caused. While he allowed the bill to become law without his signature, Cox wished he had vetoed it and urged lawmakers to find commonsense solutions. Salt Lake City leaders, including Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Council member Alejandro Puy, defended the new flags as ensuring inclusivity and recognition for diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of making people feel seen and welcome. The controversy highlights tensions between efforts to promote political neutrality in public spaces and concerns over erasing or excluding minority groups, with Cox suggesting unity should be centered around the American flag instead. Community members continue to raise flags such as the Juneteenth flag annually, advocating for broader recognition and inclusion despite the legal restrictions.