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 28.7k Canada voters.
43% Yes |
57% No |
40% Yes |
41% No |
3% 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 28.7k Canada voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 28.7k Canada voters.
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Unique answers from Canada 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.
@B2DNSB6 5 days5D
Yes, but if burning it as a means to dispose of an only flag you may burn it privately and respectfully.
@B2CMT6Q 1wk1W
Neutral, as long as it is not public property and the person committing arson has private ownership of it or not directly causing any harm, they can do whatever they want with it.
@B29WGP92wks2W
No, as long as the person burning the flag has consent from the owner and isn't damaging others' property
@9W6MXFY3mos3MO
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.
@9TGFKC44mos4MO
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.
@9JSD35Y12mos12MO
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)
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