There is a greater (more abstract) issue of which flag burning is simply an instance.

All manner of evil deed has been done in the name of God, country, love, you name it. Virtually every case involves "my will over yours". The "antidote" is total respect for "equal" rights. But general semanticists generally have a problem with the notion of "equal", not to mention the notion of "total" (all). What are we to do? ... Sentient Sovereignty ... Stages of Moral Development