Utah has become the first U.S. state to prohibit flying LGBTQ+ pride flags at schools and all government buildings.
This comes after Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced late Thursday night that he was allowing a ban on unsanctioned flag displays to become law without his signature.
The law, which will take effect on May 7, will make Utah the first state to ban pride flags.
The flag bill effectively became law when Cox took no action by the midnight deadline on Thursday night.
The bill was authored by state Rep. Trevor Lee, a Republican from Layton, who has consistently stated that the legislation was created specifically to ban pride flags in educational institutions.
However, in a letter to legislative leaders explaining his decision, Cox also expressed appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community.
He said: “To our LGBTQ community, I know that recent legislation has been difficult.
“Politics can be a bit of a blood sport at times, and I know we’ve had our disagreements. I want you to know that I love and appreciate you, and I am grateful that you are part of our state. I know these words may ring hollow to many of you, but please know that I mean them sincerely.”
Cox’s decision comes just hours after the Sundance Film Festival announced it was leaving its home of four decades in Park City, Utah, for Boulder, Colorado.
