“The municipality continually suggests that the ‘Thin Blue Line’ U. S. flag has limited or no public price because it is ‘offensive’ and ‘racist,'” Marston wrote in the court’s opinion. But as this court has already told the municipality, “the First Amendment protects speech even when it is ‘offensive. ‘
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A “Thin Blue Line” flag is displayed, indicating the authorities. A federal court has ruled that a Pennsylvania municipality cannot prohibit the public display of an American flag with a thin blue line. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Marston said the township’s names for the flag bordered on unprofessional. He admitted that it is “undeniable that the flag has racist connotations toward certain members of the community. ”
Wally Zimolong, a lawyer representing the police, said the court’s ruling is a vindication of his clients’ claims.
“This is a resounding victory for the First Amendment and relaxed speech,” he said. “This has shown once again that the government cannot engage in discrimination based on a message it disagrees with or finds offensive. “
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A “Thin Blue Line” flag in front of Seattle City Hall. (Noah Riffe/Anadolu Agency Getty Images/File)
Tensions around the flag began when the city’s police union voted in 2021 to incorporate the flag into its logo. Several city commissioners opposed the measure because the flag was related to Blue Lives Matter, which was used by police supporters in reaction to Black Lives Matter. .
The union voted to reject a request to replace the commissioners, the city submitted to pay up to $10,000 to amend it. Last year, the municipal prosecutor sent a letter of arrest and desistance to the union.
The letter said the use of the flag in the union’s logo “needlessly exacerbates the ongoing standoff between police officers and the communities they serve” and directed the union to stop the flag or remove Springfield Township from its name.
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After the union refused to remove the flag or replace its name, commissioners followed a policy prohibiting city employees, agents or experts from flying the flag while on duty or representing the township.
Fox News Digital reached out to city commissioners.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Se can send tips on louis. casiano@fox. com.