The Advertiser | October 09, 2008

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24469514-5006301,00.html

A COUNCIL has ordered an ex-soldier to take down the Australian flag which flies outside his house because it has been deemed “offensive” by a neighbour.

Aaron Wilson erected the 5m high flagpole eight weeks ago, in honour of his friends who served in Iraq.

But on Tuesday, Logan City Council called to tell him a neighbour had made a complaint, labelling it “offensive”.

He was told to remove the pole or risk legal action. Mr Wilson, whose father fought in Vietnam, said he was disgusted.

“I find it astonishing that anyone could find the Australian flag offensive,” he said.

“My family and friends have served for the country and the very least I can do is have a flag to show my appreciation for Australia.

“I thought the council had better things to do with their time than persecute people for putting a flag up.” [more …]

Comment:
I left the following comment on the originating article’s comment’s page:

I was told the same thing by the Qld Housing Commission (their version of the Housing Trust) back in 1994. When I refused to remove the flag, I was told that the Union Jack in the corner was offensive to Aboriginals, and accused of being a “Nazi” and a “nutter.” The state police then arrived ordering me to take the Australian flag out of my window. When I again refused, the state police admitted that they did not have the authority to force me to the flag down and threatened to report me to the Federal Police. After they left, I rang the Federal Police who told me I was perfectly within my rights to display the Australian flag. However, if I chose to display it in an attempt to offend a neighbour, I could be charged with Racial Vilification. Since that was not the case, the flag remains to this day in my front window, visible to all who pass by.

This was edited by The Advertiser’s staff to: ...

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