The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson that flag desecration is a form of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment because it conveys a message and is a symbolic act of political protest, thus warranting protection despite being offensive to many. The Court emphasized that the government cannot prohibit expression simply because it is controversial or distasteful, as this would undermine the fundamental principles of free speech.

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The Supreme Court's ruling in Texas v. Johnson established that flag desecration is protected under the First Amendment as a form of expressive conduct and political protest. The Court asserted that the government cannot restrict expression simply because it is controversial or offensive, as this would violate the core principles of free speech.