Senate expands possibilities for flag use with new legislation
New Law Approved to Ease Restrictions on Use of State Flag
During the recent 42nd plenary session of the Senate, a draft law aimed at easing restrictions on the use of the state flag was discussed and approved. The draft document had previously been adopted by deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis three days ago. The project itself had been open for public discussion from June 1 to June 16.
If the President gives his approval, the new law will allow the state flag to be used in various settings, including sports competitions, public physical training events, cultural and other public events, family holidays, commemorative dates, and other special occasions.
Additionally, the law will permit the use of signs depicting the state flag in public places, buildings, places of residence or work, as well as in surrounding areas and the interiors of vehicles, as long as the state symbol is treated with the necessary respect.
The law will also establish a legal basis for the display of the state flag on the symbols of state bodies (such as flags and heraldic signs) and on their official websites. Furthermore, the image of the national flag will be allowed to be used for decorative purposes on outerwear.
There are specific cases outlined in the law where the national flag and signs with its image can be used. These include when individuals and legal entities representing the Republic of Uzbekistan participate in official international events, when uniforms and badges are worn by military personnel or public servants, and in the preparation of sports clothing for international sports competitions and national championships.
The law also clearly defines cases in which disrespecting the national flag is unacceptable.
Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate, expressed her views on this legislative change, stating that by clarifying and liberalizing the procedures, the goal is for the state flag to become a true national flag, allowing it to be proudly displayed in the homes of the Uzbek people on joyous occasions. She emphasized the importance of the law establishing clear norms and consequences for disrespecting the flag as it symbolizes the country.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the presidential candidate from UzLiDeP, also discussed the necessity of allowing free use of the state flag in his pre-election program. He noted that currently, the national flag is only used during celebrations, ceremonies, and sports competitions. However, he believes it is time to adopt a document that permits the flag to be flown in every home.
The initiative to ease requirements for the use of the national flag, including allowing its installation at homes and workplaces, was put forward by UzLiDeP in November of last year. The party also proposed revising the measures of responsibility related to the use of the flag.
With the approval of this new law, Uzbekistan aims to promote the responsible display and usage of the state flag while also allowing its citizens to proudly demonstrate their national identity and patriotism.
