Idaho cities are now banning all citizens from flying pride flags on government property due to a law that targets unapproved political or ideological banners.
The latest restriction enacted through Idaho's House Bill 561 stops local municipalities and county governments from flying official flags established after 2023. To make sure citizens remain compliant, the law forces strict penalties of $2000 per flag per day for violations and authorizes the state attorney general to sue non-compliant local governments.
Following Governor Brad Little's signing of the legislation, the city of Boise removed the pride flag from official poles outside the City Hall to protect taxpayers from getting daily fines. In reply to the latest ban, local officials and community members bypassed the restriction by finding new means to show support, like wrapping the actual flagpoles outside the Boise City Hall with rainbow hues.