Supreme Court Rules Against Boston In Flag Fight

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against the city of Boston in a “Christian flag” flying controversy outside City Hall.

[wyodad]

I say remove the flagpole. Government buildings should only fly state or national flags. If anyone wants to fly any other kind of flag, they should do it on their own property.

[jamescash]

I think what is being failed to be mentioned is the third flag pole is not state sponsored. It’s open to the public to fly whatever flag they want. If the city opens it up to the public they cannot discriminate based on religion then.

[rashadbell]

Does anyone realize how wrong someone has to be for our Supreme Court to have a unanimous decision goodness

[robertwelsh]

Why have a third (non-government) flagpole in front of a government building? It seems misguided.

[nerdbot]

Both sides were right. Boston was correct to be concerned about presenting the appearance of a government endorsement of a religion. But SCOTUS was correct in their decision. Only reasonable outcome is don't let anyone fly a special interest flag at city hall. Fly the U.S. flag, Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag, and the flag of the city of Boston, and that's it.

[dubiousspacehamster]

As long as this is 100% equal opportunity across the board, and ANYONE can put a flag up, I'm all for this decision.

[waynegrabert]

Just end flying any flag over a government building other than the national and state flags. Religious flags should NOT appear over government buildings in a country founded on the principle of secular government.

[jakeave]

Yeah, when you open up the third flag pole to the public, you gotta stick to it. A SCOTUS unanimous opinion too.

[KevinSun]

Once you fly anything other than the US and your local government flag, then you have no right to deny anyone else the right to fly theirs.

[rainbeauxunicorn]

Well, this will be interesting to see who’s flags get flown and who’s doesn’t.

[Josh-]

This is a bit confusing. Is the flagpole in question available for public use? And if so, why?
It's going to get REALLY uncomfortable when the Black Church wants to hoist a flag representing Baphomet over City Hall grounds.

[DanmanJR]

while I do agree with the decision, I just prefer if there was no 3rd flag because then anybody can fly anything they want. Just my preference.

[myleg...]

Pretty silly that this case had to go all the way to the supreme court

[UTUBEJC]

When it’s unanimous in a court this divided... it’s over anakin. They have the high ground.

[stellabella]

Separation of Church and State. Open a can of worms to fly all flags and start a fight in all religions. The Supreme court made the correct decision.

[timx]

I live in Boston and am Wiccan so I called to try to get equal representation and found out it was about trying to run flag for one day 8am-5pm as an event. This is not a permanent fixture.

[llamagetchya]

A million dollar headache for a hundred dollar pole, we waste money on such trivial low level garbage it's bewildering. Removing the pole diplomatically solve any issues of relgion, sexual orientation, etc now vying to put their message up. Now, instead, we have to legally hurdle how taking the pole away doesnt take first amendment from everyone with it. Our country is severely bored or weak if these are the fights it chooses to take up.

[mikehuesser]

I believe in the separation of church and state. I also welcome any religious belief as long as it's not weaponized.

[DeltaElites]

As an Atheist, I completely agree with this decision. Once you open up for different flags, Christian or Satan worshippers should all be allowed. I soon anticipate a Baal flag flying there.

[theredman]

The ruling was because other groups can and have raised flags of various ideologies, movements, and religions, as the flagpole is a government provided public forum with a specific flag raising event. However, Boston specifically singled out this group for wanting to use a Christian flag, thus violating their First Ammendment rights. Please people, read the story and don't formulate your whole opinion on a 30 second clip