Park City moves forward with Pride Month banners despite new state flag law

PARK CITY, Utah – In a quiet but pointed move, the Park City Council adopted a resolution Thursday proclaiming June 2025 as Pride Month and authorizing Pride-themed banners to be flown on Main Street—just weeks after a new state law aimed at restricting certain flags on public property went into effect.

The legislation, HB77, prohibits Utah schools and government entities from displaying flags that are deemed political, ideological, or religious in nature—including the rainbow Pride flag—unless specifically authorized by the state or the U.S. government. But Park City officials said the resolution falls within legal bounds and reflects the city’s longstanding commitment to inclusion, equity, and visibility for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

With the unanimous approval, Pride banners will return to Main Street light poles throughout June, as well as “Ride with Pride” decals on public transit vehicles—a familiar sight during the city’s Pride Month celebrations in recent years. The resolution also recommits Park City to supporting policies that promote equality and stand against discrimination.

Supporters cite urgency and impact

Community leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates urged the council to adopt the resolution, emphasizing the outsized importance of local support amid a hostile national climate.

“Gestures like this from municipalities, from communities, are even more important this year than they were the first year that Park City declared June Pride Month in 2019,” said Virginia Solomon, a board member with Summit Pride. “Attempts to silence us aren’t things that we will stand for—and that the larger community will stand for, for us.”

Kris Campbell, who also serves on the Summit Pride board, called the resolution a vital affirmation of belonging. “It’s a hard time to be in the LGBTQ+ community right now,” he said, referencing recent national court rulings and policy rollbacks. “Measures like this in the local community make a huge difference. They help us feel welcome, not isolated or alone.”

Campbell and Solomon also pointed to the broader economic benefits of inclusion. Citing tourism losses in North Carolina following its controversial HB2 law, Campbell noted that cities perceived as unwelcoming can face economic fallout. In contrast, Park City’s support for LGBTQ+ visibility—including events like Deer Valley Pride and Winter Pride ski week—has helped draw visitors and reinforce the town’s reputation as a safe and inclusive destination.

“By being a welcoming community, we not only support our residents, we support our economy,” Campbell added. “Your support is huge. It helps us see that we have value in this community.”