A Utah bill originally aimed at banning Pride flags in public schools has been expanded to prohibit them in all government buildings and properties, intensifying an already heated debate. HB77, sponsored by Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Layton), would limit the display of non-governmental flags, allowing only the U.S. flag, Utah state flag, military flags, tribal flags, international flags, and official college and university flags. The bill does make an exception for historic flags used for educational purposes, which Lee said would include Confederate and Nazi flags in classroom settings when teaching about events like World War II or the Civil War.
The bill passed a House Education Committee hearing on Thursday, with both Democratic committee members voting against it. It now moves to the Utah House floor for further debate.
Lee initially stated on social media that his goal was to ban Pride flags, arguing that schools should be free from political messaging. During the hearing, he faced backlash for suggesting that Nazi and Confederate flags could be displayed in classrooms as part of history lessons. Later, he backtracked, insisting he never explicitly stated that Nazi flags would be allowed.
Public testimony was deeply divided. Some parents, like Aaron Bullen of Lehi, argued that Pride flags send a political message that conflicts with their religious beliefs. Others, including students and LGBTQ+ advocates, condemned the bill as a direct attack on queer youth. Millie Dworkin, a senior at Salt Lake Center for Science Education, said, “This ban is unconstitutional and only serves as a means of control over the people. Queer people commit suicide at a higher rate than everybody else … If you pass this, you will have queer blood on your hands.”
This is not the first attempt to ban Pride flags in Utah schools. A similar last-minute bill in 2024 failed in the Senate by a 9-20 vote. Even within Utah’s Republican-led Senate, some lawmakers groaned and laughed when asked about the latest bill. Senate President Stuart Adams responded with, “Flag bill again?”
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have vowed to oppose the bill, calling it an unnecessary restriction on free speech and expression.
