Boise Mayor Criticizes Idaho Bill That Could Revoke City's Pride Flag Designation

The proposed legislation would prohibit cities and counties from flying official flags created after January 1, 2023.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Boise Mayor Lauren McLean criticized a proposed Idaho bill that could strip the city's Progress Pride Flag of its status as an official Boise flag, calling the measure an attempt to limit local authority and representation. The bill, if passed, would prohibit cities and counties from flying official flags created after January 1, 2023, which would impact Boise's 2025 decision to make the Progress Pride Flag an official city flag.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a broader debate over local control, LGBTQ+ representation, and the role of government in regulating symbolic expression. The bill's supporters argue for consistency across the state, while opponents say it limits local autonomy and targets LGBTQ+ communities.

The details

In 2025, the Boise City Council voted to make the Progress Pride Flag an official city flag in response to a state law that forbade flying non-official flags at government buildings. The proposed House Bill 561 would prohibit cities and counties from flying official flags created after January 1, 2023, which would revoke Boise's Pride flag designation if passed.

  • In 2025, the Boise City Council voted to make the Progress Pride Flag an official city flag.
  • In 2026, the Idaho legislature is considering House Bill 561, which would prohibit cities and counties from flying official flags created after January 1, 2023.

The players

Lauren McLean

The mayor of Boise, Idaho, who criticized the proposed bill and said the city remains committed to being a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ residents.

Brad Little

The governor of Idaho who signed House Bill 96 into law in 2025, which forbade flying non-official flags at government buildings throughout the state.

House Bill 561

A proposed piece of legislation in the Idaho legislature that would prohibit cities and counties from flying official flags created after January 1, 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I'm disappointed that the committee advanced House Bill 561, which is the next step in the process of stripping cities of our ability to serve and represent our residents, represent our values, and show up for all of Boiseans.”

— Lauren McLean, Mayor of Boise

“I want to be clear that here in Boise, we remain fiercely committed to being a safe and welcoming city. That includes everyone — our LGBTQ friends, family, neighbors, business owners and community leaders.”

— Lauren McLean, Mayor of Boise

What’s next

If the bill becomes law, Mayor McLean said the city will review the legislation with legal counsel to determine how to remain in compliance. She declined to speculate about a potential lawsuit.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local control, as well as the continued debate over LGBTQ+ representation and symbolic expression in public spaces. The outcome could have significant implications for Boise's ability to celebrate its diverse community.