An Iraq War veteran took a stand when he was told by his local homeowners association to remove the American flag flying on his front porch, Fox News Insider reported.
Daniel Toner of Suffolk, Va. was reportedly told that he could fly the American flag on his front porch, until he was told that he could not. The flag holder supposedy violates the Belmont Park Owner's Association agreement.
WAVY, a major news station in the greater Hampton Roads, Va. areas reported:
"Chesapeake Bay Management President Dana Shotts-Neff talked to WAVY.com over the phone on Tuesday. She said the Belmont Park Owner’s Association has, 'no intention of denying anyone the right to fly the American flag.'
"Shotts-Neff said a flag holder is considered an alteration to a home, and residents need to apply for alterations."
Toner is furious as he believes that it is his God-given right to fly the American flag:
“You shouldn’t even have to ask permission to have an American flag on your property,” Toner said. “That’s a right according to Congress.”
Homeowners associations cannot deny anyone the right to fly an American flag according to the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act that was passed in 2005. However, they can determine the manner and time in which the flag is displayed.
There will be a resolution adopted to the Belmont Park Owner's Association in July that will allow flag holders, Shotts-Neff told WAVY.
In the meantime, Toner says,
"That flag is staying right where it is. I don't retreat."
H/T Fox News Insider