In a submission to the Haass talks on the issue of flags the TUV has suggested that the model in Dr Haass’s own country could be followed.
Party leader Jim Allister said:
“Drawing from a report to the US Congress entitled The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions (see http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc31481/m1/1/high_res_d/RL30243_2011Jan24.pdf) TUV noted that in the United States:
• The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution; • The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days; • The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every school house; • No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honour to or in place of the flag of the United States; • No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing; • There is no absolute prohibition in federal law on flying the flag twenty-four hours a day. The US Flag Code states: It is universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness and • The US Flag flies 24 hours a day at the White House, the Washington Monument and other sites of national importance “under specific legal authority”.
“TUV believes that if we were to move toward the model Mr Haass is familiar with in the United States where the country celebrates the Flag and treated it with respect rather than hiding it away Unionists would feel more secure in the Union.
“If it’s good enough for his country why isn’t it good enough for here?”
