Controversy Over Minnesota’s State Flag Design

In Minnesota, some liberal lawmakers are pushing a new bill aimed at cities and counties that reject the latest state flag design and continue to display the old version. The Minnesota House of Representatives has approved legislation that would limit state funding for local governments that do not use the officially recognized flag design.

State Rep. Mike Freiberg, part of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and one of the bill’s sponsors, expressed disappointment in municipalities resisting the new design. “We felt it was important to issue a statement legally supporting the new state flag,” Freiberg remarked.

The new flag, adopted officially in 2024, was created by the State Seal Redesign Commission after the previous flag, established in 1893, faced criticism for being perceived as racist toward Native Americans. Detractors argue the new flag resembles Somalia’s flag too closely.

However, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth dismissed the bill’s chances in the state Senate, stating, “That bill is dead on arrival. There’s no way this bill will pass.” She criticized the Democrats for focusing on what she sees as less pressing issues, mentioning that more substantial work could benefit Minnesotans.

Meanwhile, recent decisions by city councils, including those in Inver Grove Heights, Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota, and Plainview, show resistance to adopting the new flag design. Freiberg described the previous flag as “boring” and hinted at its troubling imagery: a depiction of Native Americans fading into the background as white settlers advance.

Demuth highlighted that many residents feel overlooked in this process, insisting that they desire either the old flag or a choice in the matter. If passed, the new law would take effect in 2027.