Boise, Idaho, Makes Pride Flag An ‘Official’ Flag, Circumventing State Law

The city council in Boise, Idaho, passed a resolution Tuesday to make the pride flag an official flag of the city in an attempt to go around a state law requiring only official flags be flown on government property, according to the Idaho Statesman.

Republican Gov. Brad Little signed a bill in April barring government entities from displaying flags other than the U.S. flag, POW/MIA flag, or a flag recognized as an official government flag, according to the law’s text. All but one member of the Boise City Council voted in support of a measure to enshrine the pride flag as an official city government flag, the Idaho Statesman reported. (RELATED: Utah Bans Pride Flags From Government Buildings, Schools In Pursuit Of ‘Political Neutrality’)

Councilwoman Lucy Willits opposed the measure, saying that it was the council’s job to uphold the law and the constitution. She also sympathized with constituents who supported the measure, according to the Idaho Statesman.

“I know that people who identify with this flag want to be seen,” Willits said. “I want you to know that I see you, even if I disagree with having this be an official flag.”

City Council President Colin Nash touted the measure and said he hoped that it would ensure the LGBTQ community knew “that they are not alone,” according to the Idaho Statesman. Democratic Mayor Lauren McLean also voiced her support after the resolution passed, saying that the flag was a “symbol of who we are as a safe and welcoming city,” the Idaho News reported.

The state’s Republican attorney general, Raul Labrador, chastised McLean in April for failing to comply with the law and continuing to fly unauthorized flags. He warned that the legislature was currently considering “strong enforcement tools against those who openly violate this law” as the statute currently has no penalty for lack of compliance.

“What if citizens of Boise acted as you have by refusing to follow the municipal laws with which they disagree,” Labrador said, according to a press release. “How do you ensure your citizens’ respect for the rule of law if you are not following the law yourself?”

Willits, Labrador, McLean and Nash did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment.