Cheylynn Hayman, a Centerville City Councilmember in Utah, continues to display an LGBTQ+ pride flag at council sessions despite a state ban. The ban prohibits unsanctioned flags at schools and government buildings. Hayman argues this action is protected by the First Amendment.
In April 2025, shortly after Utah implemented the flag ban, Hayman began showing a small rainbow pride flag. The state became the first to enforce such a restriction last year. Hayman received notice last month from the Utah State Auditor’s office about complaints regarding her display.
State auditors informed Hayman and Centerville officials, including Mayor Clark Wilkinson, that the display might violate state law. According to the May 22 letter, the statute generally prohibits government entities and public-school employees from displaying flags on government property. The auditors seek Hayman’s response to these allegations.
The letter stated that if a violation is found, the relevant government entity has 30 days to correct it. However, Hayman plans to continue displaying the pride flag, stating her action is a personal exercise of free speech. She may sue the state to protect her rights if deemed in violation.
Hayman, an attorney specializing in employment law, argues the law targets government entities or school employees, not independently elected representatives like herself. In her June 4 response, she clarified that the law bans government entities, not individual elected officials, from displaying unauthorized flags on government property.
Utah’s flag ban specifies that ‘government entity’ does not include its employees. Hayman’s response emphasized the law does not prohibit elected officials from exercising First Amendment rights, including displaying pride flags on the dais to support LGBTQ constituents. She awaits confirmation from the state auditor that her actions do not violate the statute.
Representative Trevor Lee, who sponsored the flag ban, stated the prohibition applies to all local government entities, including councils. He argued that using government property to make political statements undermines neutrality.
Lee explained that municipal entities may display only authorized flags, such as national or military banners. The law aims to prevent personal or partisan causes on taxpayer-funded platforms. He noted Hayman’s long-term use of her position for specific cultural agendas, potentially dividing communities.
Since March 2025, Utah’s ban subjects violators to a possible $500 daily fine. Idaho and Montana have enacted similar measures. State auditors, still reviewing Hayman’s case, confirmed receiving complaints but provided no additional details.
Hayman intends to attend the next council meeting remotely and persist with her pride flag display. She hopes for legislative reconsideration, describing the law as misguided. She believes small actions can lead to significant changes.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox did not return requests for comment. Cox has previously rebranded June as “Fidelity Month” under Trump’s presidency. Centerville officials, responding to the state auditor, emphasize compliance with state law, pending the review’s outcome.
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