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Idaho won't display rainbow lights on Capitol for LGBT event

Posted at 11:28 AM, Jun 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-15 13:28:52-04

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho officials say they can't display rainbow lights on the Capitol building for upcoming LGBT pride observances in Boise.

The Idaho Statesman reports that officials say the technical limitations of the lighting system prevent them from fulfilling the request from Boise Pridefest organizers.

But leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event suspect political concerns are also involved.

Boise Pridefest Director Rodney Busbee says no one mentioned the technical difficulties prior to Tuesday, even though organizers first asked about the lights a month ago. He says the state initially denied the request for political reasons.

Department of Administration Director Bob Geddes says he does have political concerns, but also reiterated that multi-colored lighting is not an option.

He says Pridefest organizers can project their own rainbow lights on the building.