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Try as they might, the Idaho state legislature can’t seem to silence Boise’s LGBTQ Pride.

Idaho Republicans have spent years crafting bills and passing laws trying to lower the rainbow flags flown in public schools, government-owned buildings, roads, and parks. The latest attempt got as far as compelling Boise Mayor Lauren McLean to remove City Hall’s Pride flag on March 31 — the Trans Day of Visibility. The flag had billowed above the building as a symbol of acceptance and inclusion for over a decade.

Nevertheless, Boise persisted. With a flag ban in place covering just about any inch of state-owned properties, officials got crafty. Instead of Pride flags, they installed Pride flagpoles.

The sponsor of House Bill 561, the legislation that would fine government agencies for flying non-approved flags on government properties, has released a statement on the City of Boise's decision to add rainbow colored flag poles and new signage.https://t.co/oBaH6SRWls— CBS2 News (@CBS2Boise) April 9, 2026

The sponsor of House Bill 561, the legislation that would fine government agencies for flying non-approved flags on government properties, has released a statement on the City of Boise's decision to add rainbow colored flag poles and new signage.https://t.co/oBaH6SRWls

“The art additions to city hall demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people that call Boise home and to the values that we uphold every day,” the city said in a statement to CBS 2 – Idaho........

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