Bartlett mounts campaign to display flag freely

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland Republican, again has introduced legislation that would override rules prohibiting flag displays.

His original bill died last year before reaching a committee vote.

Mr. Bartlett is using patriotic holidays, including Flag Day and Independence Day, to promote his bill.

“I think if you put this to a vote of the majority of the American people, it would pass easily,” he told the Baltimore Sun.

Hugh Warner, a flag vendor in Frederick for 30 years, learned last year about a Florida homeowners association that barred a resident from flying a flag.

He called Mr. Bartlett, who was outraged.

Mr. Bartlett said flag and flagpole restrictions by homeowners associations and condominiums is “more than just [a] free speech” issue.

“This is a real dishonor to those who have fought and died and to their families,” he said.

Flag dealers across the country are working to gain support. Mr. Warner took Mr. Bartlett’s legislation to this year’s gathering of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association and is puzzled about why the bill has not garnered more interest in Congress.

“I would think that would be something the Democrats would jump on and the Republicans would jump on,” he said.

Restrictions on flags have raised disputes among homeowners in several states. Colorado, Florida and Maryland have changed laws to allow residents to display flags.

The Community Associations Institute worked with Maryland lawmakers on legislation, passed last year, to supersede rules on flags in the state, said Tom Schild, a Silver Spring lawyer on the legislative committee for the institute’s Maryland chapter. Mr. Schild said the bill preserved some common-sense rules for associations.

“These communities come in all sizes and shapes,” he said. “Do you really want your flag flying on the 14th story without some regulation of how it’s mounted?”

Mr. Schild is concerned that Mr. Bartlett’s bill might be too broad. However, Mr. Bartlett said his legislation would allow associations to have some control for practical or safety reasons.