What this is
Boise wrapped flagpoles in rainbow tape and lit buildings with pride colors after Idaho banned pride flags on government property.
Idaho passed a law in 2025 that banned Pride flags from government property. When state lawmakers closed existing loopholes, they added fines of $2,000 per flag per day. Boise took down its Pride flags when Governor Brad Little signed the new bill into law, but our city found creative ways to resist.
Over the past few days, rainbow displays have appeared on Boise city buildings. The city wrapped flagpoles with thick rainbow stripes in Progress Pride flag colors. Large white signs with Progress Pride colors appeared in City Hall windows with the phrase "creating a city for everyone." Colorful lights now shine on official buildings, displaying blues, pinks, purples, and other rainbow hues.
City spokesperson Maria Ortega confirmed that Boise paid just under $6,000 for the window display and flagpole wrapping from existing operating funds. The lights cost no additional money. "The city of Boise remains in compliance with the law and is not flying any city official Pride flags on our properties," Ortega said.
Read full text
Boise City Council President Meredith Stead explained their commitment: "The Pride flag is not a political statement. It is a symbol of heritage, welcome and safety. We are taking it down because the law forces us to, but our commitment to every person who has looked at that flag and felt seen does not waver for a single moment."
For LGBTQ+ residents like hairdresser Ryan James Lee-Goodman, these acts of defiance bring hope. "You can order a flag down, but you cannot make people disappear," he wrote. City council member Colin Nash promised more creative expressions of solidarity are coming.
Key details
- Daily fine: $2,000 per flag
- Display cost: Under $6,000
- Law signed: March 2026
- Ban passed: 2025
About Good Good Good
Good Good Good is a media company sharing good news and actionable ways to make a difference. They publish stories about people, organizations, and ideas making the world better.
Visit website →Where it reaches
This and 7 more nearby in Our Voice — tap a dot to open it.
Why it matters
This is part of Our Voice — civic life, elections, and accountability.
How to dig in
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read through to understand how it connects to the bigger picture.
- 3Read more using the button above.
Connections
1 connection — tap a node to open it.
By the numbers
Connections1
Nearby in Our Voice7
Led byGood Good Good
Counted from the Community Exchange connection graph.