Boise Officials Wrap Flagpoles in Pride Colors After Idaho Ban

City council finds creative way to display LGBTQ+ support despite state restrictions.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:53pm

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A cinematic oil painting depicting a solitary flagpole wrapped in the vibrant colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag, with the pole bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conceptually representing Boise's effort to visually support the local LGBTQ+ community despite restrictive state policies.Boise's creative display of LGBTQ+ pride colors on city flagpoles aims to show support for the community despite a statewide ban on pride flags.Boise Today

In response to a statewide ban on flying LGBTQ+ pride flags at government buildings and schools, officials in Boise, Idaho have found a unique way to show their support for the local LGBTQ+ community. The city council has decided to wrap the flagpoles in the colors of the pride flag, effectively circumventing the new law while still visually representing their inclusive values.

Why it matters

The ban on pride flags in Idaho is part of a broader trend of conservative states passing legislation that restricts the visibility and expression of LGBTQ+ identities in public spaces. Boise's creative solution demonstrates how local governments can find ways to support their diverse communities even when facing restrictive state policies.

The details

After Idaho passed a law in 2025 prohibiting the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags on government property, the Boise city council decided to wrap the flagpoles at city hall in the colors of the pride flag. This allows them to maintain a visual representation of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion without directly flying the flag, which would violate the new state law.

  • In 2025, Utah became the first state to ban LGBTQ+ flags from government buildings and schools.
  • Idaho passed a similar law restricting pride flag displays in 2025.

The players

Boise City Council

The governing body of Boise, Idaho that oversees city operations and policies.

Idaho

A conservative state in the northwestern United States that recently passed a law banning the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags on government property.

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What they’re saying

“We must find creative ways to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, even when facing restrictive state policies.”

— Boise City Council Member

The takeaway

Boise's innovative approach to wrapping flagpoles in pride colors demonstrates how local governments can stand up for their values and support marginalized communities, even when facing challenging state-level legislation.