Utah's proposed state flag designs prompt derision, pleasure and debate - Axios Salt Lake CityLog InLog InAxios Salt Lake City is an Axios company.

Utah' s proposed state flag designs prompt derision pleasure debate

Utah Twitter personality Matt Blank to a proposed state flag design. Image via Twitter, courtesy Matt Blank. Delicate Arch? Snowy peaks? More beehives? Those are some of the options among the 20 semi-finalists for Utah's new state flag design. Driving the news: The state's Flag Task Force unveiled the 20 designs Thursday night.The public can on them until Oct. 5. What they're saying: A LOT. Here are some of the reactions. Courtesy State Flag Task Force"Looks too much like Delta for me," Utah Rep. Andrew Stoddard (D-Sandy).Courtesy State Flag Task Force"Dollar store Tennessee flag," Salt Lake Tribune reporter Bryan Schott.Courtesy State Flag Task Force"We pick the Poké Ball flag," City Cast producer Emily Means. The big picture: Utah's current flag is considered to be among the nation's , according to design by the North American Vexillological Association. Many of these designs echo the simplicity of our Four Corners neighbors, whose flags are ranked among the best. The intrigue: A beehive appears in nearly half of the 20 designs, a nod to the state's nickname and symbolizing "community," "industry" and "prosperity," according to the task force.Yes, but: The of the beehive is what made it a Utah icon. say the flag should rather than the dominant religion.Reality check: Utah flag enthusiasts say state lawmakers — of whom are Latter-day Saints — are to approve a flag that doesn't include a beehive. Of note: Diagonal crosses in red and blue with stars also raised concerns that the image the Confederate flag and its pro-slavery history. 1 cool thing: Groups of eight stars, or eight-pointed stars appear in most of the designs. Those represent Utah's eight federally-recognized tribal nations. What's next: The task force expects to select a final design to propose to the legislature in late fall. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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