| Cite: 13-3703(a) | Enacted: Unknown | Repealed: Unknown |
| Source: Dumblaws.com | ||
Discussion:
As with most of those laws listed as "Dumb Laws" on the various sites, which are actually shown to be "true" laws here, this law is taken almost completely out of context. While strictly speaking, it is against the law to place a mark upon a flag which is "likely to provoke physical retaliation," it is taken so much out of context that the reference by itself appears to show the law is "stupid law" because it is out of place or makes little sense. But when the context is added back in, the law makes perfect sense.
The law covers "venerated objects." For those not familiar with the word venerated, it means something that is handled with respect. To many, the "Stars and Stripes" (the flag of the United States,) is considered a venerated object and must be handled with respect. Damaging the flag in any way, except for the solumn and respectful distruction of a badly tattered or damaged flag, is disrespectful to the venerated object. Like federal laws against flag burning, Arizona's Statute in question is to prevent the mutiliation, defacement, defiling, burning, trampling or otherwise dishonoring of the flag.
When taken in context, the law certainly doesn't appear to be a "dumb law", as many other states, as well as the federal government have similar laws.
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