In 2017 Harold Shurtleff applied for a permit to fly a Christian flag on public property in Boston, Massachusetts, and was denied. He challenged the city and now his case is going to the Supreme Court, and I think he should win.
When challenging the city Shurtleff stated the denial of his permit request was religious discrimination. I do not think it was religious discrimination, it was just plain discrimination.
During the last few years local governments across the United States, including the city of Boston [1] [2], have hoisted rainbow flags on public flag poles and painted “Black Lives Matter” on public streets. Whatever one thinks about the rainbow flag or Black Lives Matter, it is clear that local governments have allowed controversial flags and ideologies to be promoted on public property extensively. As a result, this gives Shurtleff a good case to hoist the Christian flag on public property.
Michael Dwyer/AP
Some people will respond to my commentary saying that the key difference here is that rainbow flags and Black Lives Matter are not promoting religion, whereas a Christian flag is. I really do not think religion plays a role at all in this situation because it could be debated that the rainbow flag and Black Lives Matter can be associated with a “religion” or “belief system” of sorts, perhaps a cult? They tend to be intertwined with left-leaning political ideology and groups, to the point that many would say they have esoteric meaning.
Some would even debate that Black Lives Matter is a domestic terrorist organization. It was a horrendous move for cities to paint it on public streets.
Back to the Christian flag case.. The other option that could happen (and technically should happen) is that the Supreme Court rules that local governments should only display government-oriented (including military) flags and slogans on public property. Anything beyond that opens cases for discrimination.
But I would like to see this can kicked further down the road, and for local governments and the public to learn what they have opened a door to for painting Black Lives Matter on streets and displaying certain flags.
If Shurtleff is denied and cities continue to promote controversial flags and groups, this will just continue to draw public criticism and show bias on behalf of the government.
Main photo source: ChristianityToday.com
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists and Nordic Republicans. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.