Iowa Flag-Desecration Laws Tossed (ACLU Defended Upside-down Flag Displays) [View All]

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

Mar 28, 10:48 PM EDT

Iowa Flag-Desecration Laws Tossed

By DAVID PITT
Associated Press Writer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Two state laws that prohibit misuse and desecration of an American flag are unenforceable and unconstitutional, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Pratt said Tuesday that the Iowa laws violate a due process clause in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa brought a lawsuit on behalf of a man charged with a misdemeanor for flying a flag upside down and writing on it and another man also charged with flying a flag upside down. It declared the ruling a victory.

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Scott Wayne Roe of Ottumwa displayed a U.S. flag upside down on June 4, 2006, and wrote "Corruption of Blood" across it, saying he was protesting city ordinances and how they were enforced. He was charged with a misdemeanor, but the charge was dismissed.

Dale Klyn of Corydon displayed his flag upside down to protest what he called an unfair loss in a bankruptcy case and to support a campaign for mental health care services for veterans. His case was also dismissed.

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