Boise Finds Creative Ways Around State Pride Flag Ban

Idaho passed a law in 2025 that banned Pride flags from government property. When state lawmakers closed existing loopholes, they added fines of $2,000 per flag per day. Boise took down its Pride flags when Governor Brad Little signed the new bill into law, but our city found creative ways to resist.

Over the past few days, rainbow displays have appeared on Boise city buildings. The city wrapped flagpoles with thick rainbow stripes in Progress Pride flag colors. Large white signs with Progress Pride colors appeared in City Hall windows with the phrase "creating a city for everyone." Colorful lights now shine on official buildings, displaying blues, pinks, purples, and other rainbow hues.

City spokesperson Maria Ortega confirmed that Boise paid just under $6,000 for the window display and flagpole wrapping from existing operating funds. The lights cost no additional money. "The city of Boise remains in compliance with the law and is not flying any city official Pride flags on our properties," Ortega said.

Boise City Council President Meredith Stead explained their commitment: "The Pride flag is not a political statement. It is a symbol of heritage, welcome and safety. We are taking it down because the law forces us to, but our commitment to every person who has looked at that flag and felt seen does not waver for a single moment."

For LGBTQ+ residents like hairdresser Ryan James Lee-Goodman, these acts of defiance bring hope. "You can order a flag down, but you cannot make people disappear," he wrote. City council member Colin Nash promised more creative expressions of solidarity are coming.