Progressive Idaho Mayor Defies State Laws

Idaho is known for a lot of things: potatoes, beautiful mountains, beautiful lakes, beautiful rivers, beautiful ski areas, great fishing, and is home to a lot of conservatives.

So it was surprising to hear that the mayor of Idaho's largest city- Boise- is refusing to follow the law by flying a "Pride" (LGBTQIA) flag at City Hall in violation of state law.

Beware Idahoans. That sounds like Washington, Oregon, and even San Francisco some years ago.

Be informed, not misled.

Less than two weeks ago, Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little signed into law H.B. 96, which strictly regulates the flags that counties, municipalities, and other governmental entities may fly on public property. Introduced by state Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard), the bill basically restricts public flags to those representing the U.S. and its military, the state of Idaho, local cities, schools, and Indian tribes.

Scott indicated the purpose behind the law was to keep flag-flying from becoming too "political."

"I believe this bill is necessary for the government to be neutral and unified and that government buildings should represent all Idahoans and not be used for political movements or social movements," she said, according to KIVI-TV.

KIVI News 6 says, "A pride flag outside Boise City Hall raises questions about the enforcement of a new Idaho Law — House Bill 96 that was signed into law by Governor Brad Little, amends existing law to provide that a governmental entity shall only display certain flags."

Outside Boise's City Hall flies what's known as the "Progress Pride Flag," which was developed in 2018 by American artist Daniel Quasar.

Democratic Representative Monica Church , whose District 19 includes Boise's City Hall told me it is a law that is non enforceable because there is no enforcement agency, and in her view, H.B. 96 is an opportunity for political grandstanding.

I asked Boise Mayor Lauren McLean her thoughts on H.B. 96 and if the nearby state lawmakers are trying to send a message to their neighbors at Boise City Hall.

"For nearly ten years, the city has been flying the pride flag and we will continue flying it because we are a safe and welcoming city that values all comers," McLean said. "Just like we are supporting organ donors with a flag this week. We want to be clear that everyone matters."

"We want to be clear that everyone matters."

This matter of a "Progressive Trans Flag" at City Hall will likely get worked out when the Republican majority state legislature reconvenes in 2026.

A number of locals did not miss that the transgender flag, which has been flying at City Hall for the past few years, was faded and had a hole in it. The current trans flag is not that flag. It's a new one with crisp colors and no holes.

What could that suggest? Resolve? Perhaps a renewed effort to normalize those things that are not normal? 

A closer look at Mayor Lauren McLean's bio is helpful:

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean is committed to creating a city for everyone and has worked tirelessly toward that goal, advocating for open space conservation, tackling housing and homelessness side by side with the community, and leading nationally acclaimed climate action efforts. 

Mayor McLean was sworn in on January 7, 2020. She is the 56th mayor of Boise and the first woman elected to that position in the city’s 150-year history. She is passionate about public service, leading boldly with the community at the forefront of every decision. 

McLean’s service to the people of Boise began as a volunteer in 2001. She led the historic Boise Foothills Open Space Levy campaign and, along with hundreds of other dedicated people, secured protection of thousands of acres in the foothills for future generations. Lauren served on the Boise City Council from 2011-2019 and served as Council President from 2017-2019. During her time on City Council, she led the effort to pass Boise's 100% Clean Energy Plan.

As Mayor, she leads the fight against climate change, setting ambitious goals to secure an environmentally and economically resilient future for Boise. Her vision is to create a city that is truly for everyone – one that offers equitable access to housing, living wage jobs, transportation, and a seat at the table for residents when decisions about the future of Boise are being made. 

Lauren currently serves on the Board of Governors at the Andrus Center at Boise State University. She has been recognized as one of the nation's most promising young political leaders by the Aspen Institute and New Deal Leaders. She was selected to participate in the 2020 Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative on Economic Recovery. 

Takeaway

Soon, the students at Boise State University who largely elected her will, for the most part, move on. The next class will move in and move up. They, too, will likely hold her progressive ideas.

Over time, the problems plaguing Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco will visit Boise. If Boise continues to elect people who hold the same progressive political views to fix the problems, it will follow its big sisters on the coast.

Beware those who "fight against climate change," push for "equity," and try to normalize those things that are not normal. And defy common sense.

Bernie and AOC's recent visit to Boise was not without purpose. Their reception should not be ignored.

A trip through downtown Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco will provide more understanding.

Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be Engaged. Be Prayerful.