Should it be illegal to burn the American flag?
In 2006, the U.S. Senate rejected a Constitutional Amendment which would have allowed Congress to pass legislation prohibiting the burning or desecration of the U.S. flag. The Flag Protection Act of 2005 was introduced by Senators Bob Bennett (R-Utah), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Mark Pryor (D-ARK) and Thomas Carper (D-Del). The Act proposed a punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine of no more than $100,000.
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@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
Yes
@9FTP3ZWIndependent 2yrs2Y
Top Agreement
That we should protect our flag, if other people get in trouble for burning the pride flag then they should get into more trouble for burning our own flag that represents our freedom.
@9FTYWXW2yrs2Y
Regardless of what flag is being burned, the courts have ruled that flag burning of whatever sort is constitutional and protected under the free speech provisions of the 1st amendment. Whether some find it offensive and awful to burn the American flag or the Pride Flag, at the end of the day it’s protected speech.
I do disagree with burning the United States flag as it stands for our ideals and values rather than the government and state of the country itself but ultimately it is the freedom of speech and expression that allows you to do what you wish with the flag, burning the pride flag is hate speech though and has violent connotations towards others.
@9MW8XLM12mos12MO
Nobody gets in trouble specifically for burning the pride flag, stop it.
@9FTXSCS2yrs2Y
A pride flag is not a national flag if that's burned its fine but if our nations flag is burned then that is disrespectful to our nation
@9G9GJY2 2yrs2Y
Why would you want to burn the flag? It represents ALL of america and you are not American if you burn. Flag burners and go to Russia.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
I would argue that flag-burners are infinitely MORE patriotic than people who never criticize their country. If a flag represents ALL of a country, then that includes all of the bad, which is why burning it is a perfectly valid means of protesting a nation's problems.
@9G9GJY2 2yrs2Y
Why would any one want to burn a flag! It symbolizes America as a whole. Angry at someone, burn their picture. Angry at a organization (even a government one) or company, burn their logo. Unless you are truly unhappy with America and want to see it burn (then you are not an American) then you should not burn a flag. Let those people go to jail for a couple of weeks to consider moving to another country because they are NOT wanted here. I support FREE speech, but not HATE speech against America.
@H0u5eHarper2yrs2Y
The act of burning a flag, for some, is a form of political protest and symbolic speech. The Supreme Court in Texas v. Johnson (1989) actually upheld that flag desecration is protected by the First Amendment, stating that the government couldn't prohibit this expression simply because it disagrees with the message it conveys.
Consider the civil rights movement or the Vietnam War protests; the act of flag burning was used to express deep dissatisfaction with government actions. An argument could be made that it is an American principle to question and challenge our government when it's believed to be in the wrong. So one might say, those who burn the flag in protest are expressing a very American sentiment
@9G9GJY2 2yrs2Y
Why would any one want to burn a flag! It symbolizes America as a whole. Angry at someone, burn their picture. Angry at a organization or country, burn their logo. Unless you are truly unhappy with America and want to see it burn (then you are not an American) then you should not burn a flag. Let them go to jail for a couple of weeks to reconsider moving to another country because they are NOT wanted here. I support FREE speech, but not HATE SPEECH against America.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
A flag is literally the "logo" of a country, so clearly you already understand why someone would reasonably burn a flag...
@9TYJFHK8mos8MO
Burning a flag is the proper method to retire a flag.
Burning something, in other contexts, is symbolic speech against the subject depicted. Burning a flag is symbolic speech against a country or regime thereof. Burning a Quran is symbolic speech against Islam. Burning an effigy is symbolic speech, condemning the person depicted as a tyrant.
@9G9WGPW2yrs2Y
Flag burning is constitutionally protected as free speech under the first amendment and Texas v. Johnson
@9G9GJY2 2yrs2Y
Give me proof why this is the right decision instead of just stating what happened. Here is my proof this court case is wrong: Why would any one want to burn a flag! It symbolizes America as a whole. Angry at someone, burn their picture. Angry at a organization (even a government one) or company, burn their logo. Unless you are truly unhappy with America and want to see it burn (then you are not an American) then you should not burn a flag. Let those people go to jail for a couple of weeks to consider moving to another country because they are NOT wanted here. I support FREE speech, but not HATE speech against America.
In the landmark 1989 Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson, Justice Anthony Kennedy stated, "It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt."
Now, regarding your perspective on equating flag burning with hate speech, it's worth noting that the U.S. legal system differentiates between the two. Hate speech is regulated when it incites violence or creates a hostile environment. Flag burning, on the other hand, is considered a symbolic speech, a nonviolent political protest.
@9G9SJ7P2yrs2Y
I agree with this comment because that flag represents all the soldiers who fought for you to have rights. They make you able to live in this country safely. So burning the flag is just disrespectful.
@9RZ44L29mos9MO
I understand why you would say that but that doesn’t mean it should be illegal and native Americans have a perfectly valid reason to burn our flag because we took their land
@9F9NYZV2yrs2Y
The only reason someone should burn the flag is to retire it after it has started to show wear and tear.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No
@9F7FCY22yrs2Y
Flag burning is an exercise of free speech. To not allow people to show their beliefs is oppressive and any act that doesn't hurt others, while it may not benefit society as a whole, should not be criminalized.
While it's true that flag burning can be viewed as a form of free speech, it's also important to consider the symbolic value of a national flag. For many, it represents the struggles, sacrifices and unity of a nation. Burning it could be seen as a deeply disrespectful act, not just to the government, but also to the people and history it represents.
Take for example the case of 'Texas v. Johnson' in 1989. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that flag burning was a form of "symbolic speech", but it was a highly contentious 5-4 decision. One could argue the narrow margin… Read more
@9FYLTBX2yrs2Y
It is a destruction of our national unity. It shows hate for our country and disrespect to those who fought for the flag.
@9MW8XLM12mos12MO
It doesn't matter, it's their right to express that. Whether that's why they are doing it or it's for other reasons. I served and swore to uphold and protect the constitution and the rights within whether I agree or not. It doesn't matter if I agree with their views or opinions, doesn't matter if I agree or disagree with if they should or shouldn't burn the flag or any other type of expression/speech. It doesn't infringe on anybody else individual freedoms and liberties. And if we take away people's rights simply bc we don't like or agree with what they are saying or doing then the flag loses all meaning
@9CJ6CB62yrs2Y
It is a piece of cloth with Stars and Stripes on it. If we allow any national flags at all to be burned, we let all of them be burned. It’s a part of freedom of speech, and says little about a persons actual values.
@9FRLH272yrs2Y
it is disrespectful to U.S. citizens and even more disrespectful to our veterans. if you are a U.S. citizen burning the country's flag you should get charged, it's as simple as that.
@9BR8S522yrs2Y
I think it is one of the most basic right to burn USA flag. United States of America is a country which base on huge unjustice. Like Russia it is dangerous imperialist aggressor with strict hypocrisy.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, this is a violation of free speech
@9G7ZK5P2yrs2Y
It can be seen as a denouncement of America and there would be no reason to purposefully burn a flag other than to make a anti-american statement.
@9TYJFHK8mos8MO
What, if anything, could possibly be wrong with making an "anti-american" statement? That's the entire point of free speech - to protect those who criticise our beloved institutions.
@9JQG3V8Independent 1yr1Y
if you want respect for your rights in this country do not disrespect our symbol of independence and giving of that right
@9HVX7WQ1yr1Y
The American flag is the Flag of our nation and is therefore the flag of the American people and we should not let people disrespect and destroy the flag.
@9CJ6CB61yr1Y
People have the right to have issues with america, and that’s fine, I’ll argue, but it’s fine. My issue is when it turns to actual violence or legislation that I have problems.
@9J9JHFX1yr1Y
In 1989, in the case Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court ruled that flag burning is a form of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment. The decision emphasized that the government cannot prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds it offensive or disagreeable. By classifying flag burning as symbolic speech, the court affirmed that the act communicates a particular message and is entitled to constitutional protection.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, I don’t respect anyone who does but they should have the right to do so
@9GCC5LL2yrs2Y
Burning the flag of any nationality is showing disrespect to the people and country. If anyone is caught purposely burning flags, they should be sent to court to explain them selves.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
That explanation is called the right to protest...
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
Yes, and it should be illegal to burn any nation’s flag
@9FVVJJM2yrs2Y
Soldiers fight everyday and night to keep our country safe and I believe thats what represented in our flag, burning our flag is disrespecting the United States.
@9FWKGFX2yrs2Y
flag burning is a fundamental form of free speech and banning it is the first step on a path that leads to an inability to criticise the government
@9FWD2QWIndependent2yrs2Y
Soldiers fight for freedom. Unfortunately, freedom is uniform. Freedom means the right to do things without fear of persecution. These soldiers are on the battlefield to fight for our right to fly the flag and burn the flag, salute during the anthem and kneel during the anthem, say under god or not, swear into public office on a Bible or Quran or anything else at all, and exercise self expression. That is what it means to be a freedom fighter of these United States.
@9FWBVHM2yrs2Y
The true symbol of peace and protection in this country is the fact it's still running. Our flag is just a symbol to delineate us from other countries.
@9FWCY2F2yrs2Y
Criticism of our country should be defended and allowed to ensure a freedom of expression. Disrespecting the military is a perfectly fine position that does not need punishment. Fostering a blindly nationalistic culture is idiotic.
@9FR2CJD2yrs2Y
Freedom of speech is an important tenet of Liberal Democracy, and thus an important part of modern, first-world society. If we begin to police what opinions are allowed, to disallow the expression of individual morality, we lose the ability to debate ideas to change the general consensus around our societal morality. Additionally, whatever is banned is subject to the authority of the party and the time period in charge of the legislation. This can lead to outdated social views being enforced at later times, and thus unnecessarily restricting freedoms. Freedom, where it doesn't harm anyone else or violate anyone else's freedom, is a good thing, and freedom of speech is an important freedom. Burning flags is a form of freedom of speech and thus should be allowed.
@9G3CYS9Republican2yrs2Y
Freedom is still being fought for to this day. The stars on the flag represent each state that the USA has managed to acquire through hard negotiations and fights. This flag represents America proudly each and every day.
@9FNKH372yrs2Y
other countries went through hundreds of years of suffering to get where they are now, and burning their flag just shows a sign as disrespect
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, it’s just a piece of cloth that doesn’t represent what it should
@JuanR 2yrs2Y
Top Disagreement
I think it is disrespectful to those those who fought for this country and are fighting for this country right now
Burning the flag is more than making a statement. It is the utter disrespect and disregard to those who have fought to raise that flag. When you burn the American flag, it shows that you only want to make a statement because there are so many other things you could do to show dissatisfaction. Burning the flag disgraces the whole country, not just what ever political statement you argue over.
@9FD6DJJRepublican2yrs2Y
it symbolizes the country that we all live in, whether or not its run the way you want it to doesn't give you the right to destroy the symbol of the country you live in
@9F4SZM82yrs2Y
If you do not care about your country and its pride, there are plenty of people who will. Go live in another country and see how you like it.
@9GX8VWT1yr1Y
The flag represents the deaths of the men and women that served to give you the freedom to be an idiot and disrespect their sacrifice. If you burn the flag you are saying “yes you died for me to be able to act the way I am, and have my freedoms, but screw you I’m going to do what I want because I’m immature.”
@cryingleftist5yrs5Y
No, flag code states that once a flag is no longer fit for use burning it is the most respectful way to dispose of it.
@SeanFrye2006Republican 2yrs2Y
Yes, burning a flag should be considered inciting violence against that nation, and should not be covered under free speech.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
What is violent about burning a piece of cloth?
@9CYQ6J7Independent2yrs2Y
Yes, and it should be illegal to desecrate any national symbol
@9S5CNL8 9mos9MO
In the 1st amendment people are granted freedom of protest burning a flag in protest of america and not being punished for it was ine of the main reasons the founding fathers made the amendment they wanted people to be able to speak out against the government and not be punished for it
No, burning polyester is bad for the environment.
this is full disrespect they should go to prision for awhile not death but long enough they wont do it again
@VulcanMan6 1yr1Y
So much for freedom of speech or protest, huh?
@EmmaDerGroße6mos6MO
so a flag is more important than freedom of speech?
what is wrong with people like you
@LuckyChucky411Democrat4yrs4Y
No, since it is a violation of free speech, the veneration for the flag is idolatrous at best, and BURNING IS AN APPROPRIATE MEANS OF DISPOSAL ACCORDING TO THE FLAG CODE!!!
If you don't like our flag I'll help you pack for China. yes people should be allowed to PEACEFULLY protest and FREELY DEBATE. But that does not mean that anti-patriotism should be encouraged or that our GREAT CONFEDERATED REPUBLIC should not be held in the highest esteem
@8QXL8784yrs4Y
It actually says preferably by burning through a private, dignified and solemn ceremony. It also says that the flag should not be used in a way that permits the damaging of the flag, for example BURNING FOR PROTEST WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED.
@9MG98YX12mos12MO
When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display not whenever you feel like it
@9KRKWG61yr1Y
Texas v Johnson already established that is legal to do so, even though I don’t support desecration of the flag.
@94J3V833yrs3Y
In a Way, No, because Free Speech, But some may also Argue that it could be treasonous, Personally I am neutral.
@B24FJSR5mos5MO
No, the retirement of a flag directly requires burning. If it isn't cerimonial, then yes, it should be illegal.
@9PCWYHR 11mos11MO
Yes, and it should be illegal to burn any nation’s flag; however, if the flag code has a provision on burning the flag, that ought to be legal still
@9F389NS2yrs2Y
no, but if you are going to do that, why are you in america
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
Protest
Indeed, protests are a crucial part of democratic societies. Burning the flag can be seen as a powerful form of protest—just think back to the Vietnam War era when it was a common practice among anti-war demonstrators. Would you agree that such expressive acts should be protected under the right to free speech?
@9SGSD989mos9MO
the only way to burn a American Flag is when you retire it And if anybody burns it just for fun the should be killed on the spot
@8FT7ZJ85yrs5Y
It is the person's choice. If they believe it is a symbol for something, let them do it.
@9HW2SDZ1yr1Y
yes, because if americans burned other countries flags they wouldnt like it so just in general dont burned any flag
@9CJ6CB61yr1Y
Though, they still have the right to. It’s a piece of fabric symbolizing a country. If one hates a country, that’s their business, but if they act on it via violence, then I have problems.
@9KLWNW31yr1Y
No, people are entitled to their opinions if they want to do something they can even if it is wrong. They are not harming anyone phisically.
@8S499QW4yrs4Y
If I see anyone burn my Nation's flag, I'm gonna have to throw some hands with some brass knuckles on.
@9KNK34YLibertarian1yr1Y
No, but if the arson gets their *** kicked by a red-blooded American, they should be able to take legal action.
@9FSFM9W2yrs2Y
Burning the flag should be considered a nonverbal renouncing of US citizenship and therefore, government loans become due and payable and benefits are also cancelled. Social security monies returned to person based on what was paid into plus interest per national rate.
@9CJ6CB62yrs2Y
Burning a flag is burning a piece of cloth, the symbol doesn’t mean crap. You can hate America, I don’t care, and I don’t blame anyone for it.
@@1876-Elbert6mos6MO
I'll go get me a PRIDE flag to burn, then...
@Renaldo-MoonGreen 6mos6MO
@MAGA_Deplorable6mos6MO
You're right. It doesn't mean "crap." It means liberty. It means truth. It means justice. It means "my country." I am a free speech absolutist, you can go dang ahead and burn the flag of the country that has given you everything, burn the sacred banner of my ancestors who waded through seas of blood to fight and die for the liberties even of ungrateful scum like you flag-burners are. I'll let you do that, even though I hate you for it. But in return, you had better leave us Patriotic Americans the heck alone when we speak our minds on the internet. You bette… Read more
@8FSFBP75yrs5Y
Yes this act is like the Nazi's burning bibles. It is anti american 100%.
@97MX9FZ3yrs3Y
Only for ceremonial purposes
@9CMX8KK2yrs2Y
No, not if evil logos are added to the American flag
@8FTLZJK5yrs5Y
No, as long as it is your own property and not taken from someone else
@8FP2S2K5yrs5Y
This is technically a violation of freedom of expression.
@8F7VTKP5yrs5Y
No, this is a violation of free speech, if someone feels the need to burn the flag for whatever reason they should be allowed to. Despite it not being respectful it should not be illegal
@8QQ73WM4yrs4Y
No, it should be legal to burn or deface any flag
@8G9MY4Q5yrs5Y
it should be illegal to burn it in a disrespectful or in a protest way
@8FYBSVC5yrs5Y
I would like people to not do it but that is their right to freedom of speech. It is like if i wanted to burn one of their lgbtq+ flags that is my freedom of speech.
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