What is the one flag law?
Asked by: Karson Willms | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (3 votes)
The "One Flag Law" refers to the proposed "One Flag for All Act", recent legislation aiming to codify a policy that only the U.S. flag, with limited exceptions (like POW/MIA, tribal, or visiting diplomats' flags), can be flown on federal public buildings, banning other flags like the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, following a Trump-era policy and in response to its perceived violation by the Biden administration, though it's a bill, not yet a law,.
What is the new one flag rule?
To prohibit the flying, draping, or other display of any flag other than the flag of the United States at public buildings, and for other purposes. To prohibit the flying, draping, or other display of any flag other than the flag of the United States at public buildings, and for other purposes.
Did Johnson go to jail for burning the flag?
Johnson was eventually convicted under Texas' flag desecration law, which prohibited anyone from intentionally or knowingly desecrating a flag in a way they knew would seriously offend someone else. He was sentenced to a year in jail and fined $2,000.
Is it illegal to fly the American flag at night without a light?
No, it's not illegal in the sense of a criminal penalty, but the U.S. Flag Code strongly recommends and sets a guideline that the American flag should only be flown from sunrise to sunset; however, it can be flown 24/7 if it's properly illuminated during the hours of darkness, making illumination a matter of respect and tradition rather than strict law.
Did the Supreme Court rule on burning the American flag?
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled flag burning is a form of symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment in the landmark case Texas v. Johnson (1989), stating the government cannot prohibit expression just because society finds it offensive. This decision invalidated state laws banning flag desecration and was reaffirmed in *United States v. Eichman (1990), which struck down a federal law attempting to ban it.
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What's the punishment for burning the American flag?
§ 700. Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties 713. "(a) Whoever knowingly casts contempt upon any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What was the Supreme Court decision on the flag?
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.
Why do you have to burn the American flag when it touches the ground?
The Flag Code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. You are not required to destroy the flag when this happens.
What are the 5 American flag rules?
Five key American flag rules include displaying it from sunrise to sunset (or illuminated at night), ensuring it never touches the ground or anything beneath it, not using it as clothing or for advertising, keeping it clean and undamaged, and always allowing it to fly freely with the union (stars) in the upper left.
Why does the military take the flag down at night?
The solemn practice of lowering the flag at sunset signifies a lasting tradition that has been around since 1843, when it was adopted by the U.S. Navy as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who have served before us.
Why is burning the American flag in protest not constitutional?
The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech. When a flag is privately owned, the owner should be able to burn it if the owner chooses, especially if this action is meant in the form of protest.
What are the fighting words in Texas v. Johnson?
Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court redefined the scope of the fighting words doctrine to mean words that are "a direct personal insult or an invitation to exchange fisticuffs." There, the Court held that the burning of a United States flag, which was considered symbolic speech, did not constitute fighting words.
What law was Johnson accused of violating?
The primary charge against Johnson was that he had violated the Tenure of Office Act. Specifically, that he had acted to remove Edwin Stanton from the position of Secretary of War and to replace him with Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas as secretary of war ad interim.
Why are there 52 stars on the American flag?
The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies that rebelled against the British crown and became the first states in the Union. Nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", and "the Star-Spangled Banner".
What three things should one never do out of respect to the flag?
Three things you should never do out of respect for the U.S. flag are: use it as clothing/bedding/drapery, let it touch the ground or water, and fly it upside down (unless in dire distress). Other key prohibitions include marking it, using it for advertising, or dipping it to any person or thing.
What is the difference between 15 August and 26 January flag?
An interesting fact : On 15th Aug the flag is HOISTED (from below) and unfurled. Reflecting the very first day in 1947 when it was done so for the first time. On 26th Jan, the flag is already up there and is UNFURLED Even the ceremonies are called flag hoisting and unfurling the FLAG.
Is it disrespectful to fly the American flag at night without a light?
While there is no federal law that makes it illegal to fly an American flag at night without a light source, the U.S. Flag Code does have strict guidelines you should follow. The Flag Code states that it's customary to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset.
What does a wrinkled flag mean?
There is a theory that a wrinkled flag communicates that the deceased was less than an honorable individual.
Why are there 13 red stripes on the American flag?
The United States flag has 13 stripes because there were 13 original colonies. Today, the United States is an independent country. Before that, it was 13 separate colonies. Great Britain governed the 13 colonies.
What is the most disrespectful thing to do to a flag?
Drawing or Writing On the Flag
“The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.” This one is a no-brainer; writing text or drawing graffiti of any kind on the flag is considered disrespectful.
Why take the flag down at night?
To Show Respect
The main reason it's important to take down your flag at night is because it's seen as a sign of respect. This tradition dates back to the early days of America. And persists as a way to honor what Old Glory represents.
Can you leave an American flag up all the time?
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness.
What is the only flag that can be flown above the American flag?
The only flags that can fly above the U.S. flag are the Church Pennant (during Navy church services at sea) and, at the UN headquarters, the United Nations flag (in a special position of honor, but not within the U.S.). U.S. law (Title 4 of the U.S. Code) states the American flag should always have superior prominence, but these specific exceptions exist for military tradition and international representation.
What are some alternatives to burning a flag?
Lastly, WikiHow states that you also have the option to respectfully bury the flag. You should fold the flag in the ceremonial triangle, place in a strong wooden box, and bury a few feet in the ground. Similar to burning the flag, make sure to handle it with care and consider its meaning as you bury it.
Is the U.S. flag code legally enforceable?
While the U.S. Supreme Court struck down flag-protection laws as violations of free speech in 1989, the Flag Code is still maintained as a code of etiquette, enforced not by law but by tradition.