LGBTQ+ advocates counter Utah’s Pride Flag Ban with “Raise the Flag” initiative

Utah's new law bans pride flags on government buildings starting May 7, just before Pride Month. Local LGBTQ+ advocates are responding with a community-wide flag display initiative

PARK CITY, Utah — In response to a new Utah law prohibiting the display of pride flags on government buildings, the Summit Pride Foundation is coordinating a community-wide effort to display LGBTQ+ pride flags throughout the Wasatch Back during Pride Month this June.

House Bill 77, signed into law this legislative session, restricts government entities from displaying flags that are not explicitly listed in the law, including LGBTQ+ pride flags. As a result, Park City and Summit Pride will be unable to hold their annual pride flag-raising ceremony at Miner’s Hospital on June 1.

The Summit Pride Foundation’s “Raise the Flag” initiative aims to counteract the restriction by distributing pride flags to individuals and businesses, encouraging them to display support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Not flying this flag doesn’t make us go away—it just makes us feel unwelcome in, and excluded from, our community,” said Virginia Solomon, president of the Summit Pride Foundation Board. “And we know that that is not how greater Park City feels about its LGBTQ+ members—we are friends and neighbors, family and colleagues, and we share the conviction that we are all stronger together.”

Sean Udell, a board member of Summit Pride, emphasized the role of visibility in the wake of the ban. “In this moment, I cannot overstate the importance of visibility. It would mean so much for our allies in this community to stand up and demonstrate their support for their queer neighbors, friends, and family,” Udell said. “More broadly, flying the flag is an important reminder of our First Amendment right to free speech.”

Organizers hope to “fill the Wasatch Back with rainbows” in an effort to send a clear message of inclusion. The foundation is calling on local residents and business owners to participate by signing up to receive pride flags for display during Pride Month.

Under H.B. 77, only specific flags—such as the U.S. flag, Utah state flag, military flags, and certain historic or municipal flags—are permitted on government property. The law empowers the state auditor to investigate and fine government entities that violate the restriction.

“We are still working to understand the parameters of the HB77, but our commitment to inclusivity remains unchanged. Park City is dedicated to the safety, dignity, and rights of all our residents, and our work to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected continues,” Park City officials said in a statement to TownLift.

The law takes effect May 7, 2025, ahead of Pride Month.

If you and/or your place of business would like a pride flag during pride month, sign up here.

For more information on the Summit Pride Foundation’s initiative visit their website.