Montana's governor Greg Gianforte has enacted a law prohibiting the display of Pride flags and other non-patriotic flags on government and school properties. House Bill 819, sponsored by Republican representative Braxton Mitchell, restricts any flags associated with political parties or ideologies but allows official state flags and those honoring law enforcement. This legislation has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue it contradicts the bill's purported support for free speech, highlighting ongoing tensions over drag show legislation and related First Amendment issues in the state.
"Government buildings, schools and public facilities serve all citizens and should not be used to promote political, ideological or activist messaging," Mitchell said.
"As for the definition of 'promoting a certain ideology,' those [flags] are expressly prohibited, but at the exact same time [as] we're sitting here with a bill proclaiming to be about free speech..." said Elverum.
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