Anytime you involve accelerants and fire, you create a public hazard and I’ve always disagreed with courts that have ruled it to be “protected speech.” I am not defending “flag burning.” I think the public burning of property or symbols, as a form of “free speech” is ridiculous.
Martinez was found guilty last month of third-degree arson in violation of individual rights - hate crime, third-degree harassment, and reckless use of fire as a habitual offender, reported Des Moines Register. Moreover, Martinez, 30, admitted to police that he lit the banner on fire with lighter fluid and a lighter after stealing it from the church, according to court documents.
Adolfo Martinez (Booking photo via Des Moines Register) ArrestĪdolfo Martinez was arrested after stealing a pride banner hanging at Ames United Church of Christ, 217 6th St., and burning it June 11 outside Dangerous Curves Gentleman’s Club, 111 5th St., police said. It’s hypocritical injustice after an Iowa man was sentenced Wednesday to nearly 16 years in prison for burning the LGBTQ flag.
