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 4.2k British Columbia voters.
40% Yes |
60% No |
37% Yes |
45% No |
2% Yes, and it should be illegal to burn any nation’s flag |
7% No, I don’t respect anyone who does but they should have the right to do so |
5% No, this is a violation of free speech |
|
3% No, it’s just a piece of cloth that doesn’t represent what it should |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 4.2k British Columbia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 4.2k British Columbia voters.
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Unique answers from British Columbia 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.
@9TGFKC42mos2MO
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.
@9W6MXFY1mo1MO
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 5mos5MO
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.
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