July 15, 2025
Bozeman, MT – The Pacific Justice Institute is joining a grassroots movement to opposes the proposed resolution before the Bozeman City Commission to adopt the Pride flag as an official municipal flag.
The measure will be taken up at the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 and can be found here: https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/3437615/Resolution_Declaring_Pride_Flag_Municipal_Flag_Final_.pdf
After being contacted by concerned members of the Bozeman community, PJI warned City Commissioners that the proposal conflicts with the intent and legal framework of the recently passed Montana’s House Bill 819 (HB 819), which mandates neutrality in government spaces. As set forth in PJI’s opposition letter, adopting the Pride flag as an official city symbol risks legal challenges, community division, and undermining the principles of neutrality.
HB 819, signed into state law on May 13, 2025, restricts the display of flags on government property to those representing the United States, Montana, official municipal flags, tribal nations, foreign nations, or specific historical, military, law enforcement, or school-related entities. The law explicitly prohibits flags associated with political parties, races, sexual orientations, genders, or political ideologies. The Pride flag, widely recognized as a symbol of specific social and political movements, does not qualify under these exemptions. Designating it as Bozeman’s official flag could be seen as an attempt to circumvent HB 819, potentially exposing the city to legal action and costly litigation, as well as alienating members of Bozeman’s diverse community.
“This new law was enacted to ensure that government buildings remain neutral spaces that serve all citizens without endorsing specific ideological messages,” said Janice Lorrah, Legislative Counsel for PJI. “Adopting the Pride flag and its variants as the official flags of Bozeman does the opposite.”
“The proposed resolution claims the Pride flag is a symbol of unity for all citizens of Bozeman, but many religious any individuals view the Pride flag as hostile to their Christian faith. What message does having the Pride flag as an official government flag send to them?” continued Attorney Lorrah.
PJI is encouraging its members to oppose the resolution. Comments can be submitted to the Bozeman City Council.
from the desk of
Brad Dacus
