When Is Patriotism Allowed? Displaying The American Flag

In July 2006 a new law went into effect called the “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005.” This federal law bars an association from prohibiting the display of the American flag by its members.

Members may now display the American flag in areas in which they have exclusive use. These areas typically include windows, doors, or on balconies or patios. However, the association may place reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of the flags’ display.

Associations want to maintain a common aesthetic to the community. This led to the ban of banners, flags and signs in the community. The purpose was to prevent unsightly or un-maintained displays. Unfortunately, this led to problems in displaying the nation’s flag.

The new law addresses concerns that associations had over the appearance and manner in which the flag is displayed. The law states that any display of the American flag must be done in accordance with the US Federal Flag Code. The law allows the association to place reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of the display of the flag.

The law does not require the association to allow the display of any other type of flag, including “school pride” flags or holiday flags.

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