A federal court has issued a ruling that redefines the boundaries of free speech in the United States. Judge Trevor N. McFadden ruled that ‘desecrating’ the Israeli flag is not political expression but racial discrimination.
The decision means burning, tearing, or grabbing the Israeli flag can be prosecuted as hate conduct. By contrast, the US Supreme Court has long protected the burning of the American flag under the First Amendment.
thank you! you’re absolutely correct, this is a complete bullshit representation of the ruling!
https://reason.com/volokh/2025/08/05/finding-that-defendant-had-yanked-on-israeli-flag-plaintiff-had-tied-around-neck-choking-her-leads-to-3-yard-stay-away-order-against-defendant/
in reality, a person who was wearing an israeli flag as a cape was assaulted when someone grabbed it and choked the wearer… at a pro israel demonstration.
it wasn’t a hate crime, it wasn’t even assault (because of lack of evidence).
they got battery and a restraining order.
the judge might’ve put something about the jewish race in his opinion but that would be it.