Boise Mayor Lauren McLean took down the city’s Pride flag minutes after Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law. The move avoided a $2,000‑per‑day penalty that would have fallen directly on local taxpayers in Idaho.
NEW: Boise mayor Lauren McLean appears to be on the verge of tears as she is forced to remove a Pride flag outside of City Hall. The LGBTQers then sang a sad song as the flag was lowered. The move comes after Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law, leading to… pic.twitter.com/tGh4oR8upK
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 31, 2026
“Because the law includes a substantial penalty – one that would ultimately fall on the taxpayers of Boise to shoulder – I decided to take down the city’s official Pride flag,” McLean said in a written statement.
A video posted to X by Collin Rugg shows the flag being lowered. In the footage, McLean tells a small crowd the flag represents “a city that’s safe and welcoming for everyone.” Supporters at the scene sang as the flag came down.
Many Celebrated the Flag’s Takedown
“Idaho celebrated by taking down the pride flag flying over the Boise city hall and finally making it invisible,” one Boise‑area resident wrote. Another commenter called it a taxpayer victory:“No more activist flags on government property. American flag only. Major win for taxpayers and common sense!”…