**Democrat Katie Hobbs Sparks Controversy by Placing LGBTQI+ Flags Above American and State Flags in Arizona Capitol**
In a move igniting backlash, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs chose to kick off LGBTQI+ Pride Month by placing multiple pride flags above the American and state flags outside her Capitol office. This isn’t the first time Hobbs has caused an uproar with her flag display decisions, having done a similar act back in 2019 during her tenure as Secretary of State. Furthermore, Hobbs has falsely accused Republican legislators of removing the flags in the past, which was debunked by Capitol building management.
Back in 2019, as Secretary of State, Hobbs hung a pride flag outside her office at the Arizona Capitol Museum, causing a stir among conservatives in the area. Despite her claims that Republican lawmakers had forced the removal of the flags, the leader of the agency managing the Capitol building, Mike Braun, Executive Director of the Legislative Council, revealed that Hobbs had not followed proper protocol. According to Braun, to hang banners on the building, one must first gain approval and notify the legislative council, which Hobbs had failed to do. The flags were deemed “nonconforming” by Braun’s agency, and thus, had to be removed.
In the recent incident, two flags representing the gay and trans community were seen flying above the American and Arizona flags, with a Ukrainian flag beside them at half-staff. Opponents to this act, such as the Kari Lake War Room Twitter account, blasted Hobbs for this move, stating, “Arizonans will never take PRIDE in this divisive liberal ideologue masquerading as their Governor.” This sentiment seems to echo the feelings of a significant portion of the Arizona population who view Hobbs’ actions as unpatriotic and contrary to American values.
**Hobbs’ Flag Misconduct Highlights Division in America**
Considering her continual disregard for flag display regulations and her penchant for making false accusations toward opposing lawmakers, Governor Katie Hobbs’ actions serve as a reminder of the divisiveness present in American politics. The prioritization of Pride Month flags over the American and Arizona state flags illustrates the extreme lengths to which some politicians will go to make a statement, disregarding protocol and the patriotic symbolism of the nation’s flags.
