‘We’re Taking It Down'; Boise Removes Pride Flag After State Law Passage

The storied battle between the City of Boise and the State of Idaho over something as small as a flag as seemingly come to an end today, as Governor Brad Little signed into law a House Bill that not only bans Boise from flying the flag--but fines them for doing so.

During the multi-year back and forth, Mayor Lauren McLean has battled with Idaho legislators over the issue of whether or not Boise can (or should) fly the pride flag. Last year, you may recall that the City of Boise deemed the flag as 'official', filling a 'loop hole' in the law, allowing the flag to be flown. The state legislation also did not invoke any penalties at the time.

The House Bill passed this year DOES put a penalty on the flag flying in Boise so now, Boise's City Hall has taken it down.

Elected officials in Boise were quick to respond.

Meredith Stead, Boise City Council President, released the following statement:

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

The Mayor of Boise herself went out to take the flag down and talk to folks who were around.

Far right conservative commentators online have been spreading the video of her doing so, many saying 'praise Jesus' and supporting the State of Idaho's pressure.

While the pride flag was the 'monkey in the middle' of Republicans and Democrats in Idaho, many average citizens have shared that the pride flag, whether they are fine with it or not, is NOT what is keeping them up at night.

Many Idahoans all across the State of Idaho are more concerned about the State's deficit, our education, and the things that are impacting us day to day.

Are Idaho legislators spending too much time on petty arguments amongst one another? The average Idahoan seems to think: yes.