By AP/KWMU
Springfield, ILL. – The Illinois Senate says all Americans have a right to fly the American flag, regardless of where you live.
The state's upper chamber voted Monday 55-0 in favor of a measure that says no condominium or homeowners' association can bar residents from installing flagpoles and flying the flag.
Supporting lawmakers are sponsoring the measure after their constituents were fined for flying flags outside their condos.
Many homeowner associations say nothing can be erected outside a home without permission of the board. But this proposal would exempt American flags (no other flags are part of the exemption).
State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) says the measure is even more important now that America is at war with Iraq.
The proposal now heads to the House.