Illinois: It is a felony for anyone "publicly mutilates, defaces, defiles, tramples, or intentionally displays on the ground or floor" or if they use an American or Illinois flag for advertising.
Source: 720 ILCS 620
Analysis:
Illinois is unusual in that it makes a felony if you mutilate, deface, or defile an American flag — most states merely make it a misdemeanor, though usually a serious one. Like most states, the crime here only occurs if the act is done publicly — which means that the crime only occurs if others see it. That's difficult to explain if the problem lies only in the action and not in the message being communicated.
More:
- Overview of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
- Index of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
