As part of what appears to be a growing trend by Democratic mayors, Salt Lake City has approved a version of the Pride flag as an official city flag to circumvent a law preventing public buildings from flying unofficial flags.

Along with the rainbow Pride flag, the Salt Lake City Council adopted a version of the trans pride flag and also one representing Juneteenth and the Black residents of the city.

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The city will pay $3,000 for an artist to come up with a design to cover the Pride flags.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall (D) proposed the resolution in response to H.B. 77, which banned government buildings from flying any flags except official country, state, and city flags, flags of other countries, Native American tribal flags, and flags for colleges and universities.

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“Our City flags are powerful symbols representing Salt Lake City’s values,” Mendenhall said in a statement. “I want all Salt Lakers to look up at these flags and be reminded that we value diversity, equity, and inclusion—leaving no doubt that we are united as a city and people, moving forward together.”

“Like other civic symbols, these flags reflect our shared humanity and the values that help everyone feel they belong—no matter their background, orientation, or beliefs,” added Salt Lake City Council Chair Chris Wharton. “While the state has restricted which flags public buildings can fly, I’m glad we can still uphold our community’s values within the law.”

All three flags include the sego lily emblazoned in the upper corner, similarly to how it is portrayed on the flag of Salt Lake City.

The City Council of Boise, Idaho, also voted 5-1 this week to make the Pride flag a city flag in response to a state law saying only official flags can fly at government buildings.

“This is our lawful expression of our dedication to ensuring all members of our community feel seen, respected, and welcome,” Council President Colin Nash told KTVB7. “I think there is an expectation among the opponents of it, that the government should remain neutral in issues like this. I’m not neutral on defending marginalized neighbors.”

Before the vote, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean (D) responded with strength to pressure from the state’s attorney general to remove both the Pride flag and an organ donation flag.

McLean said she thinks the law “is not enforceable as drafted” since “the legislature knowingly failed to include any civil or criminal penalties” and that “the City of Boise will take appropriate legal and political steps to stand up for members of our community.”

“Let me be clear,” she added, “Boise isn’t acting out of defiance – we’re acting out of duty. I take my oath of office seriously, and my responsibility to the community that has entrusted me to lead just as seriously.”

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