Boise Removes Pride Flag Following Fresh Idaho State Law

The city of Boise has removed the LGBTQ+ Pride flag from its City Hall, ending a tradition of flying the banner for more than a decade. The decision follows the immediate enactment of House Bill 561, a state law that strictly limits the types of flags allowed on city and county property and introduces significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

The Impact of House Bill 561

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law. This legislation serves as an enforcement mechanism for a previous ban passed in 2025 that lacked a way to penalize violators. Under the new law, cities and counties can be fined $2,000 daily for every offending flag that remains on display.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean ordered the Pride flag to be taken down minutes after the bill was signed to avoid these steep fines. The legislation, authored by Representative Ted Hill (R-Eagle), restricts local governments to flying only a specific list of approved flags:

• The United States flag
• Official flags of any U.S. State
• Official flags of military branches and units
• The POW/MIA flag
• Official flags of recognized Indian tribes
• Official flags of other countries for special occasions (excluding nations the U.S. Is engaged in hostile action against)

Local Response and Community Impact

Mayor Lauren McLean expressed strong opposition to the law, stating that the legislation “seeks to erase both the values we hold dear and people who are integral to the fabric of our community.” Despite the removal of the flag, McLean emphasized that the city’s commitment to being a safe and welcoming environment for all residents remains unchanged.

The removal of the flag marks the culmination of efforts by some Idaho lawmakers who have sought to remove the Pride flag from Boise’s City Hall since 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Immediate Action: The Pride flag was removed on March 31, 2026, immediately after Governor Brad Little signed HB 561.
• Financial Penalties: The law imposes a $2,000 daily fine per flag for cities or counties that fly non-approved banners.
• Strict Limitations: Only a small set of government, military and tribal flags are now permitted on city and county property.
• Legislative Intent: The bill was designed to end the flying of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag in Boise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Pride flag removed from Boise City Hall?

The flag was removed to comply with House Bill 561, which restricts the types of flags flown on city and county property and imposes daily fines for violations.

What are the penalties for violating the new flag law?

Cities and counties found in violation of the law face fines of $2,000 per day, per offending flag.

Who signed the bill into law?

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the legislation on March 31, 2026.