Centerville City Councilmember Cheylynn Hayman refuses to remove an LGBTQ+ pride flag she displays during council sessions, defying Utah’s ban on unsanctioned flags. Despite an inquiry by auditors, Hayman insists she is protected by the First Amendment. The ban, enacted last year, prohibits unsanctioned flags, including pride banners, at schools and government buildings.
In April 2025, Hayman began displaying a rainbow pride flag during council sessions following Utah’s implementation of the ban. She was notified by the Utah State Auditor regarding complaints about her actions. The auditor’s office indicated that, if a violation is found, officials would be given 30 days to address it.
Hayman has no plans to comply, stating she intends to continue flying the flag and will sue the state if found in violation, citing her right to free speech. She argues the law limits government entities, not independently elected representatives, from displaying unauthorized flags.
The law prohibits only ‘a government entity’ or ‘an employee of a school district’ from displaying non-authorized flags on government property,” Hayman stated. “I am neither.
Hayman, an attorney in employment law, contends the statute doesn’t restrict publicly elected officials from exercising their First Amendment rights.
Representative Trevor Lee, who sponsored the flag ban, asserts it applies to all local government entities, including city councils. Lee argues that displaying a pride flag in council meetings uses government property for political statements, which the bill aims to prevent.
Utah’s law restricts municipal entities from displaying unauthorized flags, accepted ones being the U.S. flag or military banners. Lee emphasized preventing elected officials from using taxpayer facilities for personal causes. He noted that this practice undermines trust and promotes division. Potential fines for violations include a $500 daily fee.
State auditors are assessing the complaints against Hayman, although those who filed remain unnamed. Lee suggested that Hayman could display the flag privately but not within public council chambers.
If auditors determine Hayman violated the statute, she must rectify the situation within 30 days or risk fines. Rahn Rampton, from the Utah State Auditor’s Office, acknowledged complaints received but refrained from further comment.
Despite this, Hayman plans to attend future meetings remotely but will continue displaying her pride flag. She hopes legislative reconsideration occurs and believes small actions can drive significant change.
Requests for comment from Governor Spencer Cox were unanswered. Cox, alongside other Republican leaders, had renamed June from Pride Month to alternate celebrations like “Fidelity Month” in prior political terms.
According to Brant Hanson, Centerville’s city manager, city officials are engaging in the state’s process and awaiting auditor determinations, while remaining in line with state law throughout the review phase.