According to reports on KATU TV, it seems an apartment complex in Vancouver, WA managed by Al Angelo Property management is banning the display of the U.S. flag (or other signage) on the exterior or interior (say, a window) of residents apartments.
Rather thought we were past all that, what with the 2005 Flag Display Act and all. We then proceed to a WA Supreme Court ruling that restricting residents display of signs (generally, but would *I think* tend to include flags - IANAL) on their doors (and by implication, in their windows) is an unconstitutional restriction of free speech.
Now, my reading of the letter and the story is somewhat less sensational than that of KATU, but Al Angelo does seem to cross the line. I'd bet they could legitimately enforce a rule barring residents from obstructing halls and common spaces - but *not* from displaying a sign/flag in a resident window or upon a residents door.
Just my take on it.
I imagine they could also prohibit residents from altering the property, i.e., drilling holes in walls, etc., for the installation of a flag pole.
ReplyDeleteBut "You can't hang a flag in a window"? Yeah, they've crossed the line.