THE new Fijian flag, which will be hoisted during Fiji Day celebrations on October 10, can be worn as an attire.
This was clarified by Solicitor-General Sharvada Sharma during his submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights yesterday.
He said the National Flag Protection Bill 2015 stated the flag could be used or worn as part of any attire or costume at any traditional, sporting or entertainment event or for everyday use.
“We have never had a law on the use, protection and regulation of the use of the Fijian flag,” Mr Sharma said.
“For the first time we have a law going forward which provides for the use of the flag which is respected by all Fijians, as to how it can be displayed, hoisted at schools homes, institutions and buildings.”
Mr Sharma also outlined that Fiji never had laws on the desecrating of the flag, which was now part of the Bill.
According to the Bill, any person who desecrated or performed other acts including tearing, burning or throwing of the flag, commits an offence.
The flag can only be desecrated where it is in such a condition that renders it no longer fit for display or use, the flag shall be disposed of in a dignified way by burning in private.
Mr Sharma also outlined that for the first time, the Bill clearly outlined the flag shall be lowered to half-mast as a token of mourning and to commemorate the funerals of the President, Prime Minister and any other person approved by the minister.
According to the Bill, a person shall not use the flag or any part of the flag in any trademark or logo, for any advertising purpose or for any commercial purpose except with the prior approval of the minister.
People are given 31 days as a transitional period to use the current flag after the new flag is designated or declared.
