The Missoula City Council has officially recognized the LGBTQ Pride flag as an official city flag after a new state law restricted flag displays on government property, including schools. House Bill 819, signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 13, limits flags on government property to specific categories, excluding personal expressions on clothing or accessories. Missoula’s decision mirrors measures taken by Salt Lake City and Boise, allowing the Pride flag to be displayed in government buildings statewide.
City Attorney Ryan Sudbury clarified that the city previously did not have an official flag, and the Pride flag now joins as an official flag. Council Member Mike Nugent emphasized the adoption of “an” official flag, not “the” official flag, due to the bill’s language. The move, explained by Council Member Jennifer Savage, followed emails from parents and students concerned about the removal of Pride flags from classrooms. Savage said the flag symbolizes inclusion and safety in classrooms.
Missoula County Public Schools trustee Meg Whicher expressed that adopting the flag at the city level is ideal for community-wide effort. Around two dozen supporters, including teachers and students, voiced the flag’s importance for classroom inclusion. Hellgate High School student Cora Barnes noted that students feel comforted seeing the flag. The council approved the measure 9-2, with dissent from Council Members Bob Campbell and Sandra Vasecka.
Campbell criticized HB 819 for limiting local control, stating individual values shouldn’t become government symbols. Vasecka emphasized neutrality while Nugent argued the bill targets specific groups. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Braxton Mitchell, criticized the council’s action, asserting public property should represent everyone, not political movements. He plans to amend the law to prevent cities from adopting political symbols as official flags.
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