Should it be illegal to burn the Canadian flag?
Flag desecration is any act that is carried out with the intention of damaging or destroying a national flag in public. This is commonly done in an effort to make a political statement against a nation or its policies. Some nations have acts that ban flag desecration while others have laws that protect the right to destroy a flag as a part of free speech. Some of these laws distinguish between a national flag and those of other countries.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Province/Territory
Electoral District (2011)
Response rates from 650 Federalism voters.
63% Yes |
37% No |
60% Yes |
24% No |
3% Yes, and it should be illegal to burn any nation’s flag |
8% No, I don’t respect anyone who does but they should have the right to do so |
4% No, this is a violation of free speech |
|
1% No, it’s just a piece of cloth that doesn’t represent what it should |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 650 Federalism voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Trend of how important this issue is for 650 Federalism voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from Federalism voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9GMRH3X1yr1Y
Neutral. If a Canadian flag flying at a government building was burned, this act is considered a form of vandalism, which is illegal. If someone bought their own flag and burned, I do not believe that should be considered a crime.
@9TGFKC43mos3MO
I don't really think it matters. If they want to burn it they can, and they shouldn't have to go to jail for stating their opinion.
@9W6MXFY2mos2MO
If they personally spent money on buying the flag and burning it then it's a bad look if they arrested someone for that. But if it was someone's property then yes they should be punished.
@9JSD35Y10mos10MO
Yes, but we should create more ways for people to express their opinions in a more appropriate manner
@9F7DNYY1yr1Y
Yes, but only in cases that violate the limitations of free speech (such as inciting violence)
@9F5KMPV1yr1Y
No, it's just a piece of fabric. The Canadian flag doesn't have to mean anything to anyone. To many people the Canadian flag is a symbol of oppression and a reminder of genocide. It's okay to burn the flag in protest of government. Burning the flag should be protected by free speech. Canadians shouldn't be forced to take care of a piece of fabric that doesn't necessarily mean anything to them.
@9P8NRFM 6mos6MO
If the flag is a piece of public property, personal property of someone else, or government property, burning it would be an act of vanadalism & therefore illegal. However, if a flag is bought, it is considered private property and burning it would not violate any government polices/laws as it is the property of the individal who purchased it.
@9KMLH9M9mos9MO
It is disrespectful to burn any flag of any nation, but making it illégale is taking away freedom of speech.
Join in on the most popular conversations.
