Do you have to destroy a flag if it touches the ground?

Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.

Why is it bad if the American flag touches the ground?

Don’t Let It Touch the Ground! If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt. And if it continues to touch the ground, it may sustain more severe damage in the form of torn fabric.

Is burning the US flag illegal?

RULING Yes. REASONING (5-4) The majority of the Court, according to Justice William Brennan, agreed with Johnson and held that flag burning constitutes a form of “symbolic speech” that is protected by the First Amendment.

What happens if you burn an American flag?

18 U.S. Code § 700 – Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties. Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

How do you burn an American flag?

Fold the flag, preferably in the ceremonial triangle. Make sure it doesn’t touch the ground and that it’s handled with care. Place the flag into the fire. Be respectful while the flag is burning.

Are you allowed to burn the US flag?

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the government cannot prohibit citizens from desecrating the American flag. Congress has repeatedly attempted to outlaw flag burning through legislation and constitutional amendments, but none of these attempts have succeeded.

Is burning the U.S. flag illegal?

Is there a law against burning the American flag?

Most early flag desecration statutes prohibited burning a flag or any other ways of disrespecting the flag. Later, in 1968, Congress responded to the burning of the American flag in the Central Park as the protest against the Vietnam War by passing the Federal Flag Desecration Law.

Which amendment allows you to burn the American flag?

Flag Desecration Amendment. The Flag Desecration Amendment (often referred to as the Flag-burning Amendment) is an American proposed law, in the form of constitutional amendment to the Bill of Rights, that would allow the U.S. Congress to prohibit by statute and provide punishment for the physical “desecration” of the flag of the United States.

What is the penalty for burning the American flag?

Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties. (a) (1) Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

Can you be arrested for burning an American flag?

When a flag is tattered, or in need of being disposed of, federal law actually recommends burning it. And, while there are numerous other little laws that pertain to respecting the flag, it is highly unlikely that violating any of these laws would get you arrested.