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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho won’t display rainbow lights on Capitol for LGBT event

Associated Press

BOISE – Idaho officials say they can’t display rainbow lights on the Capitol building for upcoming LGBT pride observances in Boise.

The Idaho Statesman reported that officials said the technical limitations of the lighting system prevent them from fulfilling the request from Boise Pridefest organizers.

But leaders of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event suspect political concerns were also involved.

Boise Pridefest Director Rodney Busbee said no one mentioned the technical difficulties prior to Tuesday, even though organizers first asked about the lights a month ago. He said the state initially denied the request for political reasons.

Department of Administration Director Bob Geddes said he does have political concerns, but also reiterated that multicolored lighting is not an option.

He said Pridefest organizers can project their own rainbow lights on the building.