Arizona: "Abuse of venerated objects" is a misdemeanor if done in "any manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation." Abuse includes putting any advertisement on an American or state flag, using the flag on merchandise to sell it, and "casting contempt upon, mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, trampling or otherwise dishonoring or causing to bring dishonor" to a flag.
Penalty: none specified.
Source: 13-3703
It sounds like defacing or burning the American flag is legal so long as "immediate physical retaliation" is not likely. However, should people's speech and expression really be limited to things that aren't likely to provoke violence in others? This would limit public discourse to little more than platitudes.
More:
- Overview of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
- Index of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
