{"id":2487931,"date":"2025-09-17T20:50:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T00:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/city-attorney-unable-to-speculate-on-whether-policy-would-ban-lgbtq-flags\/"},"modified":"2025-09-17T20:56:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T00:56:53","slug":"city-attorney-unable-to-speculate-on-whether-policy-would-ban-lgbtq-flags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/city-attorney-unable-to-speculate-on-whether-policy-would-ban-lgbtq-flags\/","title":{"rendered":"City attorney unable to speculate on whether policy would ban LGBTQ flags"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcity-attorney-unable-to-speculate-on-whether-policy-would-ban-lgbtq-flags%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2487931&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Spokane Valley city council is considering implementing a formal flag policy, a first for the city, prompted by increasing regulations in idaho and other states that ban &#8220;nonofficial&#8221; flags on government properties and public schools. The discussion arose unexpectedly during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/local-hoosier-rep-changes-his-identity-to-woman-of-color-liberal-outrage-ensues\/\" title=\"Local Hoosier Rep. Changes His Identity To \u2018Woman Of Color,\u2019 Liberal Outrage Ensues\">recent council meeting<\/a>, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/seattle-mayor-under-police-investigation-over-missing-communications-during-2020-summer-of-love-riots\/\" title=\"Seattle Mayor Under Police Investigation Over Missing Communications During 2020 \u201cSummer of Love\u201d Riots\">city attorney&#8217;<\/a>s office initiating the draft policy after realizing Spokane Valley lacked one.<\/p>\n<p>The proposed policy, developed with legal and risk management input, aims to comply with state and federal laws by regulating which flags might potentially be flown on city flagpoles. It explicitly permits the American flag, state flag, and the National League of Families POW\/MIA flag, while allowing alternate flags that honor military, public safety, or city priorities. The draft prohibits flags related to political campaigns,religious causes,or those that promote division or discrimination,including on gender.<\/p>\n<p>Although LGBTQ flags were not specifically mentioned or discussed at the meeting, some community members are concerned about potential bans similar to those enacted in neighboring states.City officials, including the city attorney and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/colorado-judge-strikes-down-boulders-ar-15-ban\/\" title=\"Colorado Judge Strikes Down Boulder\u2019s AR-15 ...\u00a0\">communications manager<\/a>, have stated they cannot predict whether LGBTQ flags would be allowed until the council finalizes and adopts the policy. The mayor would have authority to approve alternate flags through proclamations.<\/p>\n<p>Past proclamations for Pride Month in spokane Valley did not involve flying LGBTQ flags, even though the nearby city of Spokane has done so occasionally. Councilmembers expressed a desire for clearer language about the &#8220;city priorities&#8221; that could be promoted through alternate flags, and acknowledged the policy effort as a proactive risk management measure to avoid costly litigation. The flag policy is still under review and will be revisited several times before a final vote. <br \/> <!DOCTYPE html><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">City attorney unable to speculate on whether policy would ban LGBTQ flags<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2233682\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square)&nbsp;&ndash; The Spokane Valley City Council is considering a flag policy for the first time as jurisdictions in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/idaho\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Idaho<\/a> and elsewhere ban &ldquo;nonofficial&rdquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/flags\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flags<\/a> at government buildings and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/public-schools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public schools<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The topic came up on Tuesday night during the council&rsquo;s regular meeting. Typically, the officials ask to put items on the advance agenda a few weeks ahead of time, but not in this case. Councilmember Al Merkel cited his own confusion with the timing, but it appears the agenda item came from outside of the dais.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/3812413\/cillian-murphy-billie-eilish-dozens-celebrities-video-palestinian-people\/\">Cillian Murphy, Billie Eilish, and dozens of stars unite in video for Palestinian people<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3812775\/psilocybin-under-consideration-as-next-depression-treatment\/\">Psilocybin under consideration as next depression treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3812632\/police-involved-shooting-pennsylvania\/\">At least two seriously injured in police-involved shooting in Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>City Attorney Kelly Konkright said he believes the agenda item originated from his office, but the Parks and Recreation Department has also dealt with issues around flags at special events. He noted that his team realized the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wi-city-investigated-over-failure-to-count-nearly-200-ballots\/\" title=\"WI ... Investigated Over Failure To Count Nearly 200 Ballots\">city didn&#038;rsquo<\/a>;t have a policy and thought the council should consider it, as others have.<\/p>\n<p>City Clerk Marci Patterson sent the council a draft advance agenda last month, at the direction of City Manager John Homan, with the flag policy originally slated for a discussion on Sept. 2. Both have the authority to prepare the advance agenda in addition to requests from the majority of the council.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;When you hear about issues, we look into those issues and we determine what&rsquo;s the best course of action,&rdquo; Senior City Deputy Attorney Tony Beattie chimed in, &ldquo;from a risk management perspective.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The two attorneys said the goal is to avoid litigation that <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >ultimately costs local taxpayers<\/a>. Idaho, Utah and Montana recently passed laws around what flags can fly on government properties. Some saw the policy as an attempt to ban cities from flying LGBTQ flags, which created tensions in areas like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2025\/may\/07\/salt-lake-city-boise-pride-flags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Cities in other states have also passed local policies that limit government properties to official flags.<\/p>\n<p>Konkright and Beattie presented a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/spokanevalley.granicus.com\/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&amp;clip_id=1592&amp;meta_id=101709\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">draft<\/a>&nbsp;policy that complies with state and federal law around flying the American, state and the National League of Families POW\/MIA flag. It also allows for alternates to honor the armed forces, public safety institutions and to promote the council&rsquo;s priorities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>While the draft doesn&rsquo;t explicitly mention LGBTQ flags, nor did it come up on Tuesday, it does outline what kind of flags are prohibited. Those include flags for political campaigns, religious causes, or ones that sow division or discriminate against people based on several protected classes, including gender.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Alternate flag displays on City flagpoles reflect the views, values, and goals of the City,&rdquo; according to the draft. &ldquo;The City&rsquo;s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The mayor would have the authority to approve alternates via proclamation. Communications Manager Jill Smith told The Center Square that she couldn&rsquo;t remember a time when the city has flown LGBTQ flags on government property. However, its close neighbor, the city of Spokane, does fly them on occasion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Mayor Pam Haley and former Mayor and now-Councilmember Ben Wick have issued proclamations for Pride Month and Pride Day in the past, but the council records for those meetings do not list any flags.<\/p>\n<p>Haley hasn&rsquo;t issued a Pride proclamation for the Valley yet for this year, and June has already passed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When asked by The Center Square if the draft policy would prohibit LGBTQ flags on city flagpoles, Smith said, per the City Attorney&rsquo;s Office, that they &ldquo;can&rsquo;t speculate on what the final flag policy language will be until the council completes its review and its input is incorporated into the policy and adopted.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/3800363\/detroit-neighborhood-ban-lgbt-flags-legal-battle-all-muslim-city-council\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DETROIT NEIGHBORHOOD ALLOWED TO BAN LGBT FLAGS AFTER LEGAL BATTLE WITH ALL-MUSLIM CITY COUNCIL<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Smith said the draft is a work in progress and that Councilmember Laura Padden asked Konkright for more specificity on which council priorities the officials would be able to promote. Tuesday marked the first touch for the council; the officials will see the draft a few more times before voting at a later date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Promoting city priorities is just really vague,&rdquo; Councilmember Jessica Yeager said in agreement with Padden. &ldquo;I just appreciate you guys seeing that we were at risk of not having a flag policy and actually bringing it before us. It shows me that you&rsquo;re doing your job and looking for ways to mitigate that risk.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>City attorney unsure if policy would ban LGBTQ flags<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2869,"featured_media":2487932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25066788133800.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[63578,53960,63579,4326,15317],"class_list":["post-2487931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-city-attorney","tag-city-government","tag-lgbtq-flags","tag-policy","tag-speculation"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25066788133800.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2487931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2869"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2487931"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2487931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2487935,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2487931\/revisions\/2487935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2487932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2487931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2487931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2487931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}