Boise Removes Pride Flag After New Idaho Law Takes Effect

Boise, Idaho, Mayor Lauren McLean ordered the removal of the city's Pride flag from City Hall shortly after Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law on Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026, complying with new restrictions on flags flown over government buildings to avoid daily fines of $2,000 per flag.

The flag, which had been displayed year-round at City Hall for the past four years under McLean's administration, came down just after noon, less than an hour after Little signed the bill at 11:44 a.m. The measure amends a 2025 state law that prohibited local governments from flying non-official flags on public property, such as those representing political or social movements. That earlier legislation targeted displays like Boise's Pride flag, which the city had flown alongside the U.S., Idaho, and city flags for more than a decade, primarily during Pride Month events in June.

In May 2025, the Boise City Council voted to designate the Pride flag as an official city symbol to circumvent the ban, a move supported by then-Council President Colin Nash, who described it as "our lawful expression of our dedication to ensuring all members of our community feel seen, respected, and...