BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean criticized a proposed Idaho bill Monday that could strip the city’s Progress Pride Flag of its status as an official Boise flag, calling the measure an attempt to limit local authority and representation.
For the first time ever, McLean attended an Idaho State Affairs Committee hearing to speak on behalf of the City of Boise and its LGBTQ community.
WATCH: Boise Mayor Lauren McLean testifies against HB-561
House Bill 561 would bar cities and counties from flying official flags created after Jan. 1, 2023 — including the Progress Pride Flag displayed at Boise City Hall.
State Affairs Committee discusses House Bill 561
The hearing began with Rep. Ted Hill (R - District 14A) claiming that Mayor McLean had been "insubordinate" by flying the Progress Pride Flag following the passage of House Bill 96 (HB-96). In fact, Mayor McLean and the Boise City Council made the Progress Pride Flag an official city flag, thereby avoiding conflict with state law.
Mayor McLean began her testimony by saying, "I'm here today in front of the legislature for the first time in my official capacity to oppose HB 561 because it restricts cities and our authority to fly flags in alignment with community values."
McLean went on to state that the flag had been flown legally due to its official city flag designation, adding, "And it's no secret that the bill in front of us here today is designed to punish Boise and Boiseans for lawfully flying the pride flag, something we've been doing for over a decade, and it punishes us at the cost of every city and county's rights."
WATCH: Boise Mayor Lauren McLean's complete testimony and Q&A with the committee
At one point, Chairman of State Affairs Bruce Skaug (R - District 10), asked Mayor McLean to give the meaning of every letter listed in the acronym, LGBTQ, which she did.
McLean emphasized that the flag does not limit anyone's individual rights but instead serves as a symbol that the city is welcoming to all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Lawmakers in favor of the flag bill argued that the Pride Flag excludes other groups, such as Roman Catholics and heterosexuals.
HB-561 was approved by the committee via a 12-2 vote, and the bill now moves forward in the legislative process. If approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Brad Little, the restrictions would apply statewide to city and county governments.
Post committee hearing comments
Speaking at Boise City Hall after testifying at the Statehouse, McLean said she was disappointed lawmakers advanced House Bill 561.
In 2025, the Boise City Council voted to make the Progress Pride Flag an official city flag. That move came in response to Gov. Brad Little signing House Bill 96 (HB-96) into law, which forbade flying non-official flags at government buildings throughout the state.
Under HB-561, Boise’s Pride flag designation would no longer qualify if passed.
During the news conference, McLean opened by saying, "I'm disappointed that the committee advanced House Bill 561, which is the next step in the process of stripping cities of our ability to serve and represent our residents, represent our values, and show up for all of Boiseans."
WATCH: Boise Mayor Lauren McLean holds a news conference on the flag bill that would revoke the Progress Pride Flag's status as an official flag of Boise.
McLean thanked faith leaders and community members who testified against the bill and said Boise will continue to present itself as welcoming to LGBTQ residents.
“I want to be clear that here in Boise, we remain fiercely committed to being a safe and welcoming city,” she said. “That includes everyone — our LGBTQ friends, family, neighbors, business owners and community leaders.”
During questions from reporters, McLean addressed concerns raised at the Capitol about whether the city had declined requests to fly other flags, including Israel’s national flag. She said Boise limited displays to its officially designated flags after last year’s law took effect, with one exception made during an official international delegation visit tied to a Basque cultural celebration.
Supporters of HB-561 argue the bill ensures consistency across Idaho and prevents local governments from adopting flags they view as political or ideological. Opponents say the proposal limits local control and targets LGBTQ expression.
If the bill becomes law, McLean said the city will review the legislation with legal counsel to determine how to remain in compliance. She declined to speculate about a potential lawsuit.
When asked if the proposed flag bill could face a lawsuit from the city, McLean declined to discuss "hypotheticals," but added that the city will review any legislation that is passed and ensure the city remains in compliance with state law.
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