Banning flag burning

I was browsing the BBC website a couple of days ago and saw an article on flag burning. Supposedly an MP wants to outlaw flag burning in parades, especially those conducted by extremists.

I know in the US, there is a lot of furore about this issue. And to be frank, I fail to see what the fuss is.

Granted, the Union flag may be of great emotional importance or pride to some. Nonetheless, burning it simply is an instance of freedom of expression. Face it, no one's legal rights are violated if a flag is burnt. It certainly isn't an act against the person or property. Also, offence is a very subjective thing. In that sense, you cannot make laws which objectively criminalise "offensive" acts.

Let "extremists" burn their flags. In a free society, it should be their right.