@ISIDEWITHQuestionsDomestic PolicyStarted 8yrs agoActive 4wks ago

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag?

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.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 1.7k Quebec voters.

35%
Yes
65%
No
33%
Yes
51%
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
4%
No, this is a violation of free speech
3%
No, it’s just a piece of cloth that doesn’t represent what it should

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Quebec voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @9GMRH3Xfrom Ontario  answered…1yr1Y

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.

 @9TGFKC4from Alberta  answered…3mos3MO

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.

 @9W6MXFYfrom British Columbia  answered…2mos2MO

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.

 @9JSD35Yanswered…10mos10MO

Yes, but we should create more ways for people to express their opinions in a more appropriate manner

 @9F7DNYYfrom Ontario  answered…1yr1Y

Yes, but only in cases that violate the limitations of free speech (such as inciting violence)

 @9F5KMPVfrom Alberta  answered…1yr1Y

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 from Alberta  answered…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.

 @9KMLH9Mfrom British Columbia  answered…9mos9MO

It is disrespectful to burn any flag of any nation, but making it illégale is taking away freedom of speech.

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