Statement Regarding Flag Displayed at Millersburg Celebration

The City of Millersburg values our citizens; our citizenry is what makes Millersburg such a livable community.  The City, like our citizens, strives to make Millersburg a wonderful place to call home.  We also value any questions or comments from our citizens and attempt to provide an answer as soon as possible.

In that spirit, the City of Millersburg has received some comments regarding concern of a flag that was on a vehicle during the Millersburg Celebration car show and flown during the parade. 

The City acknowledges that certain speech, signs, or flags can be viewed as offensive.  The City also recognizes that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits the City of Millersburg, and all governmental bodies, from regulating free speech, the wording on a sign, or the type of flag being displayed.  Thus, short of banning all flags, or signs, or speeches, the City cannot legally regulate those which may be considered objectionable or offensive.   In abiding with the protections afforded by the Constitution, our options as a City are very limited when it comes to matters involving free speech. 

As councilors and citizens of the City of Millersburg, we have concern when we observe displays and/or actions that others may find degrading or offensive.  Although we may have personal feelings regarding these matters, and may not always agree with how others choose to express their thoughts and opinions in the public forum, we are still bound by a duty to uphold the First Amendment free speech protections.

We want to thank our citizens for sharing their concerns and contributing to a wonderful community.

Respectfully,

The City Council of Millersburg