Pride Flag Under Scrutiny as Utah Lawmaker Fights Back: 'Free Speech'
Summary
A city councilmember in Utah, Cheylynn Hayman, is refusing to take down an LGBTQ+ pride flag she displays during meetings, despite a state law banning unsanctioned flags on government property. She argues that, as an individual elected official, her display is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, while state auditors say the law applies to government entities like city councils.Key Facts
- Utah passed a law banning unsanctioned flags, including pride flags, at schools and government buildings.
- Centerville City Councilmember Cheylynn Hayman began displaying a pride flag during council sessions in April 2025.
- Utah State Auditor sent a letter citing complaints and possible violations of the flag ban law.
- The law prohibits government entities and public school employees from displaying unauthorized flags on government property.
- Hayman argues that the law does not apply to her as an individual elected official, not a government employee or entity.
- Hayman plans to keep flying the pride flag and is prepared to sue Utah if forced to remove it.
- Representative Trevor Lee, who sponsored the law, says the flag ban covers local government bodies, including city councils.
- Lee believes displaying a pride flag during official meetings is a use of government property for a political statement, which the law aims to stop.
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