At 3:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, Vietnam’s time, a shocking news shakes the political and social landscape of the United States. Utah has become the first state to ban LGBTIQ+ pride in public schools and government buildings, marking a significant change in state policy. The measure, which entered into force on May 7 after being approved without the signature of Republican Governor Spencer Cox, has unleashed a whirlwind of reactions between residents, activists and legislators. The law, promoted by representative Trevor Lee, limits the exhibitions to approved flags such as the United States, the UTAH state, military flags and other specific exceptions, imposing fines of 500 dollars per day for each infraction.
Cox, although he expressed serious concerns about politics, chose not to veto it, anticipating that the republican majority in the legislature would have annulled it. In a letter to legislative leaders, he defended the intention of maintaining politically neutral classrooms, but criticized that the law exceeds its purpose by regulating local governments. This decision has been received with relief by some conservatives who see the pride flags as political symbols, while Human Rights groups, such as Utah aclu, qualify it as an attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to make the LGBTIQ+community invisible.
In Salt Lake City, a liberal bastion, the authorities have illuminated buildings with rainbow lights in protest, challenging the new standard. The tradition of raising the pride flag during June, month of pride, is now at risk, which has led Utah Pride Center to plan demonstrations, including one with a transgender 200 feet flag. The announcement coincides with the output of the UTAH Sunday festival to Colorado, a movement that some link to this hostile climate.
The prohibition is not limited to LGBTIQ+flags, it also affects Trump’s “Make America Great America Make America”, which has generated debates about consistency. However, critics point out that the focus on pride flags suggests a specific objective. In Vietnam, where LGBTIQ+ rights issues gain attention, social networks reflect division: some support neutrality, others see discrimination. With more states such as Idaho and Florida considering similar measures, this Utah law could be the prelude to a national change, fanning cultural tensions in an already polarized country. The LGBTIQ+ community and its allies prepare legal strategies, while the long -term impact remains uncertain in a context where the political and social health of the State is at stake.
