Confederate flag suit invalid, lawyers say

LEXINGTON, Va., June 12 (UPI) -- A federal judge Tuesday was considering argument surrounding the display of Confederate flags on city light poles in Lexington, Va.

Lawyers for the city argued against such a display by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, saying the city only allows official government flags to fly on publicly owned light poles, effectively barring non-governmental displays. The city also has barred flags from two universities and several fraternities, they said.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans alleges the group was singled out due to the controversial nature of the flag, violating their First Amendment rights.

The Virginian Pilot reported city lawyers Monday sought dismissal of the suit. U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Wilson took the matter under advisement.