Red State Becomes First to Ban Pride Flags, MAGA Flags, Other Unapproved Flags From Government Buildings, Schools

Utah has passed a new law banning all but approved flags on government and school buildings, including LGBTQ+ Pride and MAGA flags. The goal is to keep public spaces politically neutral, but the move has stirred strong reactions across the state.

Key Facts:

Utah’s new law takes effect on May 7, 2025, banning unapproved flags on government buildings and public schools.
Only the U.S. flag, Utah state flag, military flags, and other legislatively approved flags are allowed.
Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, let the law pass without his signature, saying the legislature would have overridden a veto.
Salt Lake City leaders oppose the law, especially its impact on LGBTQ+ representation during Pride Month.
Violations will result in $500 daily fines for government buildings flying unapproved flags.

The Rest of The Story:

The Utah law aims to keep politics out of government buildings and schools by limiting which flags can be displayed.

Sponsored by Republican lawmakers Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Dan McCay, the bill was designed to enforce “political neutrality” among public institutions.

The law blocks not only LGBTQ+ Pride flags but also MAGA banners and other partisan displays.

Governor Cox expressed reservations, saying the law might go too far in restricting local autonomy.

He also acknowledged concerns from the LGBTQ+ community but allowed the measure to become law due to the likelihood of a legislative override.

Meanwhile, cities like Salt Lake City, where Pride flags are often flown in June, are reviewing their legal options.

Local buildings have lit up with rainbow lights in protest.

BREAKING: Utah becomes the first state to ban LGBTQ+ Pride Flags in government buildings and schools. pic.twitter.com/Y1G4DHsKqd

— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 29, 2025

Commentary:

This is a common-sense move by Utah.

Public schools and government buildings should remain places of unity, not ideological battlegrounds.

Letting only official flags fly keeps focus on shared identity—not political causes.

Allowing partisan or special interest flags to hang from state institutions invites division and distraction.

One group’s symbol may be empowering to some, but alienating to others.

That’s why a clear standard—U.S., state, and military flags only—makes sense.

Citizens are free to display any flag they choose on private property.

That’s the beauty of the First Amendment.

But taxpayer-funded spaces shouldn’t pick sides.

A MAGA flag or a Pride flag on a school building sends a message that may not reflect the values of every student or parent.

Salt Lake City’s resistance is expected.

It’s a more liberal enclave in an otherwise conservative state.

But their reaction only proves the point: flags have become political statements.

Public buildings should rise above that.

Critics claim the law is targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

But that argument falls apart when the same rule bans conservative flags too.

This isn’t about silencing one side—it’s about keeping politics out of the public square.

Governor Cox’s cautious stance reflects the tension between political ideals and local pressures.

Still, he made the right call in letting the bill pass.

Utah now sets a valuable precedent for other states looking to restore neutrality in public spaces.

The Bottom Line:

Utah’s new law isn’t about banning identities—it’s about keeping politics out of places that should be neutral and inclusive.

By limiting flag displays to official ones, the state is promoting unity over division.

This action draws a clear line: government spaces should reflect the whole community, not just the loudest interest group of the moment.

Other states should take note.