DOWNTOWN BOISE — The City of Boise has debuted a new LGBTQ+ positive display at City Hall, replacing its previous Progress Pride Flag with a large window sign and rainbow wraps on flagpoles.
WATCH: Neighbors react to Boise City Hall's new LGBTQ+ display
The city took down the Pride flag last week, as a new law went into effect that imposes punitive measures on municipal governments that fly flags not on the state's approved list.
Boise City Council President Meredith Stead said the new display, which was approved by Mayor Lauren McLean and council leadership, is a way to continue showing support while obeying state law.
"I just want to be sure that the residents of our city know that they are safe here with us, that we want them here, that they add value to our community," Stead said.
According to a spokesperson for the city, the display cost just under $6K and came from the city's existing operating budget.
One neighbor walking past City Hall said he sees the display as a reflection of Boise’s values.
"I think they're a sign that Boiseans can think intelligently and independently to include everyone in this city. And I felt like the state was just trying to impose more of their values in contrast to what our local and county values are," Ron Boehlke said.
Idaho News 6 spoke with Luke Lords, a Boise man, on Tuesday morning, who was out admiring the new display.
"I feel loved. I feel accepted by the people that matter. I feel hope," Lords said. "I think there's not a lot of hope right now. So, I feel loved, I feel accepted, I feel hope."
Leslie Jay Bosch also stopped outside Boise City Hall to take a photo of the display, saying the flagpoles represent something bigger than what’s on the surface.
"I just came down here for a personal moment. I feel like it's really important to be visible, that's what's important for the younger kids to see older people like myself who are not afraid to stand up and say, 'you're OK as you are,'" Jay Bosch said.
In a statement Tuesday, the Mayor's office wrote, "The art additions to city hall demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people that call Boise home and to the values that we uphold every day of being a safe and welcoming city for everyone."
Idaho News 6 reached out to Republican Representative Ted Hill, who sponsored the bill, for comment, but has yet to hear back.
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