Is it illegal to fly another countrys flag on US soil?

Question

Is there a law forbidding this and can one be arrested for doing it?

Answer 1

I think its more like a gentlemen's agreement. I know it is disrespectful to plant a US flag on foreign soil, and there are ways to raise a flag without planting it. Planting it I guess kind of appears like you are claiming that land.

Answer 2

I think alot of these posters are making up federal flag laws out of their imagination. All policies that have to do with how the American flag is handled and flown come out of the Flag Code, which was created on Flag Day, June 14, 1923, and adopted with the consent of Congress. It lays down a set of honorable customs and practices for how the American flag should be treated, include where and how it should be presented, lowered, dipped, furled, destroyed, etc. It includes practices like how and when the President can order the flag to be flown at half staff at all Federal facilities. But none of this has jurisdiction over how the flag is flown by individuals or on private property. People often choose, as a matter of respect, to follow the customs set by Congess and the President and fly their flags in the ascribed manner, but there are absolutely no federal laws either way about it. Criminal penalties were once ascribed for certain acts of desecration of the American flag, but they were all deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1989 and 1990. The Flag Code does pave the way for individual states and jurisdictions to enforce portions of the Code in law but none have done so. The Code makes it clear that the Federal Govenment has no legally binding authority for any civillians.

Answer 3

Depends on where you are. Some local areas have ordinances against flying foreign flags without having the American flag above it. I do not believe that a federal law banning it though, as it falls under 'freedom of speech.' In my sources, I have a link to a USA Today story about a Nevada town enacting such an ordinance. I don't know how the story has resolved though, as the local ACLU did not seem to like this ordinance.

I've also have added a list of codes from Cornell's site having to do with the American flag.

I personally believe that it should be a law. Flying a foreign normally shows foreign occupation. If you wish to show cultural pride, you should have no problem in displaying the American flag above the flag of your family's origin.

Answer 4

JOE R writes this: ' i personally believe that it should be a law. Flying a foreign normally shows foreign occupation. If you wish to show cultural pride, you should have no problem in displaying the American flag above the flag of your family's origin. '

THIS IS INCORRECT!!!!!! there is international law stating NO FLAG of ANY nation may fly above another nations flag in times of peace.


ok now for the answer to the question asked -lol.
no theres is no rules to say you cant fly the flag of another nation on American soil. Of course you can.

it would would however be respectful to the host nation that if you want to fly the flag of another nation that you should have the host nations flag on a seperate pole- with the host nations flag on its own right (observers left). this goes for any country.

i am English and living in England but i love the USA as much as i love England. i also only have one flagpole that is removable. i fly my flags alternatly between the Union flag and the Stars and Stripes as this is the only acceptable conclusion ive come to that is fair to both flags.

Answer 5

Not generally speaking, although some specific flags have been deemed permissible to ban, First Amendment rights notwithstanding.

The Nazi flag and the Confederate Battle Flag come to mind.

Answer 6

No, though there are certain regulations that must be followed if the other flag is being displayed alongside a US flag.

Answer 7

Nope. Do as you wish, but you also ought to have respect for the United States if you are living here.

Answer 8

No, as long as you fly it where the sun don't shine