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BOISE, Idaho — For years, pride flags lined Harrison Boulevard during the month of June, serving as a visible symbol of support for Boise’s LGBTQ+ community.

This year, however, the flags are absent.

The change comes after the passage of House Bill 561, a new Idaho law that restricts certain flags from being displayed on government-owned property. The law impacts the historic light poles along Harrison Boulevard, which are owned by the City of Boise, as well as the median maintained by the Ada County Highway District.

WATCH | Why pride flags are missing from Harrison Boulevard this June—

New Idaho law ends Harrison Boulevard lampposts Pride Flag display

For some North End residents, the absence of the flags has been disappointing.

“Even if the state-level government is ignorant, we are not,” said Amanda, a North End resident who now displays a pride flag outside her home.

Amanda said she was frustrated by the law and what it means for a tradition that many neighbors had come to expect each June.

“I thought that it is a disgrace because our community should be inclusive, and that was something that made all of us proud,” she said.

Several other neighbors who spoke with Idaho News 6 echoed similar sentiments, saying the flags served as a visual reminder that LGBTQ+ community members are welcome in Boise.

Boise City Councilmember Jimmy Hallyburton said the Pride flag display had become an important symbol for many residents.

“If this bill had not been passed, there would be [pride] flags on Harrison Boulevard as we speak,” Hallyburton told Idaho News 6.

RELATED | Pride flags in Boise’s North End vandalized for a third time in 11 days

Hallyburton also noted that House Bill 561 does not apply to temporary events such as parades and festivals.

According to the City of Boise, the flags displayed on Harrison Boulevard are selected by the North End Neighborhood Association under an agreement with the city. Because the light poles are city-owned and located on government property, any displays must comply with Idaho law.

While pride flags are no longer permitted on the light poles, the city tells Idaho News 6 they recently approved a resident’s request to place pride-colored ribbons on city-owned trees along Harrison Boulevard throughout June.

Meanwhile, many residents have found other ways to show their support.

Pride flags can now be seen hanging from homes across the neighborhood, while “Idaho Is Too Great for Hate” yard signs have appeared in front yards throughout the North End.

Many of those signs and flags have been distributed by Pride North End Boise, a newly formed volunteer-led group that was created after it became clear the traditional Harrison Boulevard pride display would not return this year.

Organizers say the response from the community has been overwhelming. As of early June, the group had distributed approximately 250 yard signs and 150 Pride flags, with demand continuing to grow.

Pride North End Boise says it plans to continue distributing signs and flags throughout the community as requests continue to come in.

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Boise’s Timbers boys U-16 and U-15 soccer teams are headed to San Diego later this month for a national championship playoff, marking the first time Idaho has sent boys teams at those age levels to the national stage.

The teams are set to compete in the ECNL playoffs beginning June 24. Head coach Gavin Kemp, the club’s ECNL director for boys and girls, called the qualification a milestone for both the program and the state.

“It’s a big deal for us, we’re the first team from Idaho to ever qualify for the national playoffs on the boys’ side, so we’re excited to go down there and represent the state and show people Boise soccer can play,” Kemp said.

The postseason run comes as soccer continues to grow in the Treasure Valley, following the arrival of AC Boise this spring and with the World Cup approaching. Three AC Boise players — Blake Bodily, Keegan Oyler and Joseph Hanson — previously played in the Timbers system during their youth.

Players on the current teams said they understand the challenge ahead as they prepare for what they expect to be their toughest competition yet.

Boise Timbers U-15, U-16 boys have qualified for a national playoff later this month happening in San Diego, California. (Dakota Castets-Didier/CBS2)

“We’re gonna go out there, work hard and try to win, its going to be the toughest competition we’ve ever had… We’re gonna go out and have a good time but try to win… Timbers is a great club if you eventually want to go play college or pro, or whatever you want to do,” said Jake Mosley, a center back and captain.

For many of the U-16 and U-15 players, the club’s focus extends beyond the postseason, with an emphasis on helping athletes pursue collegiate or professional opportunities. This week, the program hosted college scouts and coaches from around the country for a showcase of Boise-area talent.

Boise Timbers U-15, U-16 boys have qualified for a national playoff later this month happening in San Diego, California. (Dakota Castets-Didier/CBS2)

“I think it prepares us really well… We have camps to help us go to college; we have a college side of the club to help us prepare for our futures if we want to go on and keep playing soccer… It’s really beneficial,” said Logal Powell, a right back.

The Boise Timbers ECNL soccer team is asking for the community’s help to raise money for the trip to San Diego later this month, citing significant travel, lodging and tournament expenses. The team is looking to raise $4,000 through a GoFundMe page.

The Boise Timbers U-15 and U-16 are heading to the Nationals, first Idaho teams to do so