An attempted burning of a Pride flag in Outagamie County has many questioning the flag laws in Wisconsin.
49-year-old Steven Paltzer of Appleton was charged with Criminal Damage to Property, Resisting an Officer, and Disorderly Conduct after he was seen pouring gasoline on the flag outside of the Outagamie County Courthouse, and attempting to set it on fire.
Under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter Adm 2.07(1), the only flags that can be flown, hung, or displayed from any state office building or facility are the U.S. flag and the State of Wisconsin Flag.
However, the governor can make exceptions.
Governor Tony Evers has regularly made an exception for Pride flags, specifically during Pride Month, which is June.
Several Republican legislators attempted to get the law changed last year with 2025 Senate Bill 40.
This measure would have eliminated the “related administrative rule,” essentially eliminating gubernatorial discretion.
That bill did not pass.
Paltzer’s bond was set at $1,000, and he is set to return to court on July 14th.
