Utah became the first state on Thursday to ban Pride flag flights in all state government buildings and schools.

The restrictions, following Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, allow a legislative ban on unauthorized flag displays. According to To the Associated Press (AP). The governor said he was concerned about the policy, but decided not to reject it as the veto power is likely to be overridden by the state’s Republican-led Congress.

The ban will come into effect on May 7, 2025. Local and state government buildings will then face a $500-day fine for raising flags other than those listed on the list approved by the authorities, the outlet reported. Approved flags include the US flag, the military flag, and the Utah flag.

The ban means that flags in favour of certain political candidates or parties, including President Donald Trump’s “make America great” flag, will not be allowed, according to the Associated Press.

Republican sponsors, Rep. Trevor Lee and Senators Dan McKay, explained the bill was intended to encourage “political neutrality” from government employees and teachers, the outlet reported. In a letter to legislative leaders, Cox said he agreed to the “fundamental intention” of the law to make the classroom a place of political neutrality. The governor added that he believes it has gone too far in regulating local governments, according to the outlet. (Related: “Trading Ideas for Ideology”: Almost 75% of university faculty believe academic freedom is at risk).

Utah will become the first state to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags in government buildings and schools https://t.co/bgaqrvvtwk pic.twitter.com/khrpdum8qz

– New York Post (@nypost) March 28, 2025

Previously Idaho Established A law that restricts the types of flags displayed at schools. The ban will take effect on July 1, 2025.