In March 2025, Utah enacted House Bill 77 (HB77), a law restricting the display of certain flags, including LGBTQ+ Pride flags, in public schools and government buildings. The legislation, which took effect on May 7, 2025, has ignited a heated debate over political neutrality, inclusivity, and local governance.

HB77, sponsored by Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Layton), permits only specific flags to be displayed in public institutions. These include the U.S. flag, Utah state flag, flags of Native American tribes, military flags, flags of other countries, and flags representing colleges and universities. The law imposes a $500 daily fine for violations. Governor Spencer Cox allowed the bill to become law without his signature, expressing concerns about its overreach but acknowledging a likely legislative override.

Proponents argue that the law promotes political neutrality in public institutions. Rep. Lee stated that the bill aims to ensure individuals do not feel uncomfortable due to government endorsement of any ideology. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a neutral environment in public spaces.

Opponents, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and Democratic legislators, contend that the law suppresses LGBTQ+ visibility and infringes on local authority. The Utah House Democratic Caucus condemned the bill, stating it seeks to censor Pride and Transgender flag displays and restricts teachers' ability to create safe and welcoming environments for students. They argue that such measures could harm the inclusivity and support systems within schools and government institutions.

In response to the legislation, Salt Lake City and Boise, Idaho, have adopted Pride flags as official city emblems to circumvent the ban. Salt Lake City redesigned its city flag to incorporate elements of the LGBTQ+ and transgender pride flags alongside the city’s emblem. Boise made the Pride flag one of its three official city flags through a city council vote. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean emphasized the symbolic importance of maintaining the Pride flag despite potential enforcement threats. These actions reflect municipal resistance to state legislation perceived as suppressing LGBTQ+ visibility.

The passage of HB77 has raised concerns about its potential economic repercussions. The Sundance Film Festival, a significant cultural event that generated over $130 million for Utah in 2024, is reportedly reconsidering its location due to the political climate shaped by such legislation. An anonymous Sundance insider indicated that the festival's future in Utah could be influenced by the enactment of HB77. Governor Cox acknowledged the potential economic impact but expressed hope that the festival would remain in Utah.

This legislation marks Utah as the first state to enact a law explicitly targeting the display of Pride flags in public institutions. While other states have proposed or passed measures affecting LGBTQ+ visibility, Utah's HB77 is notable for its specific focus on flag displays. The Movement Advancement Project, a group that tracks LGBTQ+ and democracy-related legislation, stated that Utah's law is the first to target flags so explicitly and primarily.

As the debate over HB77 continues, it underscores the ongoing tension between efforts to maintain political neutrality in public institutions and the need to foster inclusive environments for marginalized communities. The responses from cities like Salt Lake City and Boise highlight the complexities of governance and the varying approaches to inclusivity and representation in public spaces.