Boise Mayor Defies Proposed Idaho Flag Law

Mayor Lauren McLean testifies against legislation that would fine cities for flying unauthorized flags

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean appeared before the Idaho Legislature to testify against a proposed law that would impose a $2,000 per day fine on any city or county that flies a flag other than the American, Idaho, or an official government flag. Last year, Boise declared the pride or gay flag an official city flag, which this new legislation aims to prohibit. During her testimony, Mayor McLean stated the flag symbolizes Boise as a welcoming community, but was unable to answer several legislators' questions about why only one group's flag is being endorsed by the city.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of government and public spaces in representing diverse communities. The mayor's stance that the pride flag represents Boise's welcoming identity is at odds with the state legislature's view that only official government flags should be permitted. This clash reflects broader tensions around LGBTQ+ rights, religious freedom, and the limits of local control.

The details

The new bill, H561, would require cities and counties to only fly the American, Idaho, and official government flags on public flagpoles. Last year, Boise declared the pride or gay flag an official city flag to circumvent a previous law that lacked enforcement mechanisms. During her testimony, Mayor McLean stated the pride flag symbolizes Boise as a welcoming community, but was unable to answer legislators' questions about why only one group's flag is being endorsed by the city. The mayor also revealed personal details about her Catholic faith and sports team preferences, which some viewed as an attempt to deflect from the core issues.

  • The Idaho Legislature is currently considering H561, which would impose fines on cities for flying unauthorized flags.
  • Last year, Boise declared the pride or gay flag an official city flag to circumvent a previous law that lacked enforcement.

The players

Lauren McLean

The mayor of Boise, Idaho, who testified against the proposed flag law and stated the pride flag represents the city's welcoming identity.

Idaho Legislature

The state legislature that is considering H561, a bill that would fine cities for flying flags other than the American, Idaho, or official government flags.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is my job as mayor when the legislature passes laws to review that with legal counsel to ensure that we're in compliance.”

— Lauren McLean, Mayor of Boise (liteonline.com)

What’s next

The proposed flag law, H561, is expected to pass both the Idaho House and Senate and be signed into law by the governor, despite Mayor McLean's testimony against it.

The takeaway

This clash over the Boise pride flag reflects the broader tensions in the U.S. around LGBTQ+ rights, religious freedom, and the balance of power between state and local governments. The outcome of this legislation will have implications for how public spaces represent diverse communities across the country.