B-017: THE ALDURIAN FLAG AND HERALDIC ACT, 1675

[Alfonso Velez]

Jaques Poleres, a member of the L&D purist wing, rises:

Madam Speaker,

While I join the Prime Minister in supporting the underlying purpose of the bill in furthering our Aldurian identity, I'm concerned about the abrogation of liberties in Article 3 of the bill. While I do not support the desecration of the flag of our Republic, I am also a staunch believer in freedom of speech and expression. While I would vehemently disagree with anyone burning or mutilating our flag in any way, making such demonstrations illegal goes against the fundamental principles of our Republic. 

This section is even more pernicious in its prohibitions of people wearing the flag, displaying it on their vehicles, or placing it onto common items used by everyday people. While some may view this display as disrespectful, I personally believe that this is a display of pride.

Fundamentally Madam Speaker, regardless of the intent of people expressing their feelings--positively or negatively--about our Republic on the flag, they should have a right to say it and to act upon it. Therefore, I move to amend the bill by striking Article 3 in its entirety and renumber the remaining articles.

If this amendment is adopted, I will happily vote for the bill. If this amendment is not adopted, then I regret I will have to strongly oppose the bill. I encourage the author of this bill to adopt my amendment is friendly so that our party can stand united behind this bill.