Burning a flag is constitutionally protected freedom of speech when you burn one progressives detest, like Old Glory. But burning the rainbow flag representing sexual depravity is a different matter:

An Omaha man accused of burning his neighbors’ gay pride flag last month will stand trial for arson aggravated by a hate crime. … The lesbian couple at the home told police they saw a man later identified as Cameron Mayfield, 23, dressed in dark clothing, steal their gay pride flag and return with it on fire. According to court testimony, officers found the remains of the flag in the basement of Mayfield’s home. Further investigation revealed Mayfield’s father told police his son had been drinking the night before the incident.

Stealing your neighbors’ property is criminal all right. But that petty crime is not the issue here, unfortunately for Mayfield.

“It was a prank,” Mayfield said. “I’m sorry for the confusion. I don’t hate anybody or anything.”

Allegedly hating his politically privileged neighbors is the main crime at issue. This will be punished much more severely than petty property theft.

Officers said in testimony that upon his arrest, Mayfield said he didn’t understand how burning a flag could be a felony.

Years down the road, when they let him out of prison, Mayfield will be well advised to limit his flag burning to unprotected flags.

On a tip from seaoh.