0:00
A new controversial flag bill becomes law in Utah without the governor's signature
0:05
HB 77 prohibits displaying unauthorized flags on government property and buildings, including public schools
0:12
Authorized flags include the American flag, Utah state flag, flags of other countries, states or cities, U.S. military flags, college flags, and others
0:23
Corinne Johnson, president of Utah Parents United, spoke with local KSTU news and argued
0:30
that the bill is essential for protecting students' rights. Our state constitution states that every child is able to get a free and non-sectarian education
0:41
However, critics of the law say it targets the LGBTQIA plus community
0:46
Utah Pride Center released a statement after the bill passed, saying, this is more than just a policy decision
0:53
It is a deliberate attempt to erase LGBTQIA plus visibility from the public sphere
0:58
It is government overreach at its worst, stripping cities, counties, and schools of their right to support and affirm their diverse communities
1:08
The bill's sponsor, Representative Trevor Lee, said, pride flags and others, including Confederate flags or even Nazi flags, could be used during teacher instruction if it's related to the curriculum
1:21
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Thursday night that he had serious concerns with the bill, but said he was not going to veto it because his
1:28
veto would have been overridden. Government and school buildings that do not comply could be fined
1:34
$500 per day. The law is set to go into effect May 7th. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Taylor
1:41
For more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit saan.com
