US EditionNew Montana Law Restricts Which Flags Can Be Flown on Government Property
- Montana Governor Greg Gianforte flew the Thin Blue Line flag above the state Capitol on May 15, 2025, following the passage of House Bill 819 regulating flags on public property.
- Montana's new legislation, introduced by Representative Braxton Mitchell, restricts the display of flags on government and school properties, prohibiting those associated with political parties, identities such as race, sexual orientation, gender, or political viewpoints to preserve official neutrality.
- The law authorizes the display of banners representing Native American tribes, international nations, branches of the armed forces, the POW/MIA flag, and flags from official schools or government bodies, as well as law enforcement flags including the Thin Blue Line and Gadsden flags, while prohibiting others such as those supporting Pride and LGBTQ communities.
- Rep. Mitchell stated that the bill aims to keep government entities neutral without restricting personal expression, while Rep. Pete Elverum criticized the legislation for dictating which flags are permitted, pointing out that it could allow the display of a Confederate flag.
- The law took effect immediately after Governor Gianforte signed it, reflecting similar legislation in Utah and Idaho, though critics argue HB 819 targets free speech by banning certain flags on public grounds.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Providence mayor issues new policy after turmoil over Palestinian flag
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Mayor Brett Smiley has signed an executive order creating a new flag policy that requires a more stringent approval process, following a dispute over a recent decision to fly the Palestinian flag over City Hall. According to the order, the city will display flags "as an expression of the city's official sentiments." Additionally, flags of governments recognized by the United States can be "displayed by proclamation of t…
The Billings Gazette
New Montana law restricts which flags can be flown on government property
While supporters cast House Bill 819 as a safeguard against partisanship in places meant to serve all people, opponents say it effectively bars certain viewpoints from public spaces.
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Photo by Steven Cordes on UnsplashErin In The Morning is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.Inch by inch, day by day, and legal battle after legal battle, trans Montanans are dismantling the unconstitutional laws proposed by Republicans meant to destroy trans lives, and indeed, trans life itself.Last week, they were able to let out a sigh of relief—for now. A Montana judge iss…
New Montana law limits what flags can be flown at schools and government buildings
A new Montana law limits what flags can be flown on government property or at public schools.House Bill 819, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, restricts any flags that represent a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender or political ideology.The law effectively bans Pride flags and other LGBTQ flags from being flown at schools or government buildings. In 2019, Gov. Steve Bullock, D-Montana, flew a Pride flag over th…
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