Question

The City of Charlotte denied a permit to a pro-immigration group to hold a demonstration in support of immigrant's rights. The permit was denied based on the fact that the group planned to burn a U.S. Flag as part of the demonstration. The City did not violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

Denying a permit for a demonstration because it includes flag burning is a violation of the First Amendment, as the Supreme Court has protected symbolic speech such as flag desecration as part of freedom of speech.

Step-by-step explanation:

The City of Charlotte's denial of a permit to a pro-immigration group for a demonstration where they planned to burn a U.S. flag violates the First Amendment. According to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson, flag burning is considered a form of symbolic speech protected under the First Amendment.

This decision established that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea solely because it is offensive or disagreeable to the public or state officials. Regulations on demonstrations must be viewpoint-neutral, and not discriminate based on the content of the demonstration's speech or message.