Liberty Counsel Defends Patriotic Business Owner's Right to Display U.S. Flag
by Mary Rettig
September 13, 2005
(AgapePress) - The chief counsel for the Florida-based legal defense and policy organization Liberty Counsel says an Orlando woman should not have to defend her right to fly American flags at her place of business. Nevertheless, that is what she is having to do, with the pro-family law firm's help.Nancy Maddox is the owner of a furniture store and has hung small American flags in each of her business windows to commemorate several patriotic holidays. But according to Liberty Counsel's Erik Stanley, the Orlando City Council is citing Maddox for violation of the city's sign code, which prohibits wind-operated devices.
In fact, Stanley says, the City Counsel "went even a step further and scheduled a notice of violation hearing before the Code Enforcement Board. And, if Nancy's found to be in violation of the city's sign code, she could face fines of up to $1,000 a day for simply displaying the American flag."
Erik Stanley | |
Maddox's legal representatives have sent letters to the City Council, as well as to the Mayor of Orlando and city's code enforcement officer, asking them to rescind the citation. Stanley feels the city officials should know the difference between a sign or decoration and the American flag, and should want to encourage patriotism rather than punish it."What I think we have here," the Liberty Counsel attorney says, "is an overzealous code enforcement officer who, for whatever reason, is taking on the display of the American flag and not understanding that the American flag is a symbol, all unto itself. It is probably the quintessential symbol of our nation."
Stanley says if the Orlando officials proceed with enforcement of the code against Maddox, Liberty Counsel will file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the city's sign code.
Mary Rettig, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
