Boise Leaders Debate LGBTQ+ Flag Strategy

Leaders in Boise are exploring bold strategies to navigate new Idaho laws while keeping a gender-themed flag flying at city hall.

On Tuesday evening, the Boise City Council will look at options to officially designate a progressive pride flag. This flag features colors representing non-heterosexual identities and diverse racial groups, and could serve as a substitute for the city’s official flag.

This proposal is a direct reaction to HB 96, a state law that places strict limitations on which flags local governments can display. If the city can recognize the flags of Pride and Organdoun as “official,” it would no longer be against the law to fly them.

Interestingly, Mayor Lauren McLean has suggested that she might be able to fly the flag without facing significant consequences, noting that “Congress intentionally did not impose any civil or criminal penalties.”

Still, McLean has faced criticism for not raising the flag as legal warnings from Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador (R) loom. On Easter Sunday, she and an assistant were reported to have taken down the Appeal to Heaven Flag in an attempt to reclaim the flagpole.

In a letter to Labrador, McLean highlighted that the absence of penalties for flying the flag could allow her to do so without a major backlash.

“As leaders, the things we do and say matter. They resonate with our community. We risk encouraging behaviors that could threaten city employees, council members, and even my own family,” she commented.

However, if the council supports the measure, the mayor wouldn’t need to worry about such actions. Some council members have shown a tendency to support making the pride flag an official emblem for Boise.

Council President Colin Nash stated, “Flags are a reflection of our values and responsibilities, demonstrating our commitment to equality, inclusion, and pride for our citizens. This expresses our determination to ensure that every community member feels acknowledged and welcomed.”

Additionally, McLean’s office mentioned that local attorneys are volunteering their services pro bono for the event involving the pride flag, suggesting that any legal challenges would be met.

The council’s meeting to vote on this proposal is slated for Tuesday at 6 PM.