[KILTED COWBOY]

This guy stole the flag off a church and burned it elsewhere.
They considered it a hate crime.
Sure he should be prosecuted for theft and maybe disorderly conduct, but 15 years?
You can burn an American Flag and face absolutely zero time in jail.
That is considered protected speech under the constitution.
Am I wrong about this?

https://www.foxnews.com/us/iowa-lgbtq-flag-fire-church-prison

 

[Mad Scientist]

No, you're not wrong.

I highly suspect the conviction for flag burning will be thrown out on appeal. However other convictions (stealing flag, etc.) will remain.