Yeah, because Pride flags are more problematic than a swastika!
In a controversial move, Utah’s House Education Committee has advanced House Bill 77 (H.B. 77), legislation that seeks to ban the display of Pride flags in government buildings, including schools, while permitting the exhibition of Nazi and Confederate flags for educational purposes. The bill, introduced by Republican state Representative Trevor Lee, delineates which flags are permissible, explicitly excluding symbols like the Pride flag.
During the committee hearing, Rep. Lee defended the inclusion of historically contentious flags, stating, “There are instances where in classrooms, you have curriculum that is needed to use flags such as World War II, Civil War. You may have a Nazi flag. You may have a Confederate flag, and so you are allowed to display those flags… as part of the curriculum, and that is okay.”
However, Lee argued that the Pride flag promotes a “political belief” and should not be displayed in educational settings. He emphasized the need for schools to remain neutral grounds, free from political agendas, to foster an environment conducive to learning.
The bill has faced significant opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates and community members. Millie Dworkin of the Salt Lake Center for Science Education testified against the legislation, stating, “This ban is unconstitutional and only serves as a means of control over the people… If you pass this, you will have queer blood on your hands.”
Critics argue that the Pride flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, is a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. They contend that banning it could exacerbate feelings of marginalization among LGBTQ+ students and staff.
In response to the backlash, Rep. Lee later amended the bill to specify that only flags approved as part of a school’s educational curriculum could be displayed in classrooms. Despite this modification, the legislation continues to draw criticism for its potential to allow the display of symbols associated with hate while prohibiting those representing diversity and acceptance.