Minnesota law to allow only flags made in the U.S.

Minnesota law to allow only flags made in the U.S.
ROSEMOUNT, Minnesota: The state of Minnesota is initiating a new law under which every American flag sold in the state should be made in the country. The legislation is to contain the large scale import of foreign-made flags into the country. The law is to come into force by the end of 2007.

The state of Tennessee has also passed a legislation requiring all American flags sold in the state to be made from indigenously-produced yarn. New Jersey and Pennsylvania are planning similar laws. Arizona has a law in place which stipulates that schools and colleges in the state should use only American-made flags in the classrooms from 1 July.

Some experts say such laws could violate the international trade agreement as it will mean restrictions on import. But nationalists feel the country's flag should essentially be made in the country.

The Minnesota law imposes a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment of three months on violators.

The curbs are the results of a campaign by the Flag Manufacturers' Association of America, which had brought out the fact that American flags are mostly imported from China.

Tom Rukavina, Democratic state congressman, who had sponsored the Minnesota law, said he was disturbed by flags made abroad being freely used during a memorial service offered to victims of the 11 September 2001 terrorist strike.