Hundreds of people gathered Friday at the Utah State Capitol to protest legislation passed by the Utah Legislature that specifies which flags may be flown at government buildings and on K–12 and higher-education campuses.

Protesters unfurled a large pride flag down the Capitol steps toward State Street as advocates warned the measure, which does not mention pride flags by name, could affect pride events held on public property. Troy Williams, executive director of Equality Utah, said the gathering was an appeal for recognition and protection.

"It's really important that legislators recognize that LGBT people are a vibrant part of the state. This is our home as well," Williams said. "What we're talking about is our freedoms and our liberties and our right to live who we are as our authentic selves. And there's a lot of fear, I think, that's irrational. If we could all just take a deep breath, relax, recognize that we are your friends, your neighbors, and we are part of your family as well."

Kelton Wells, a PBS Utah reporter at the Capitol, said the bill lists and specifies which flags are allowed to be flown at government buildings and displayed in K–12 and higher-education institutions, but the text does not name pride flags. Wells noted that many pride festivals in Utah are held on government-owned property; for example, the Utah Pride Festival is held at the Salt Lake City County Building.

The transcript of the event shows the bill passed both the Senate and the House "with veto-proof majorities," and the measure was described as awaiting action by Gov. Cox. The crowd at the Capitol included several hundred people who came to demonstrate against the legislation.

Advocates and protesters framed the issue as one of civil liberties and recognition on public property; the transcript records no formal remarks from the sponsor of the legislation or from Gov. Cox at the protest. The bill's text, as described by the reporter on site, enumerates permitted flags rather than naming those that would be disallowed.

It is not specified in the available transcript when, if at all, Gov. Cox will sign or veto the bill. The legislation's future enactment depends on the governor's action following the Legislature's passage of the measure.