Boise Mayor Lauren McLean took down the city’s Pride flag minutes after Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law. The move avoided a $2,000‑per‑day penalty that would have fallen directly on local taxpayers in Idaho.
“Because the law includes a substantial penalty – one that would ultimately fall on the taxpayers of Boise to shoulder – I decided to take down the city’s official Pride flag,” McLean said in a written statement.
A video posted to X by Collin Rugg shows the flag being lowered. In the footage, McLean tells a small crowd the flag represents “a city that’s safe and welcoming for everyone.” Supporters at the scene sang as the flag came down.
Many Celebrated the Flag’s Takedown
“Idaho celebrated by taking down the pride flag flying over the Boise city hall and finally making it invisible,” one Boise‑area resident wrote. Another commenter called it a taxpayer victory:“No more activist flags on government property. American flag only. Major win for taxpayers and common sense!”
“So many people in Boise and in the state had tears when she took that down… HAPPY TEARS,” a user posted. One reaction that gained traction summed up the mood for some: “Removing it is the first step. Keeping it from ever coming back is the next step.”
Others directed frustration at the state, not the mayor. “Boise has a good mayor. Idaho has a horrid governor,” one commenter said. Another wrote,“The money is always more valued than the values. Now we know for sure the price for a government’s deeply held beliefs.”
The new state law bans government entities from flying political or social movement flags on public buildings. McLean’s swift compliance kept Boise from racking up daily fines that would have cut into local services like road repairs and school safety.
