The 159th session of the Council for the Protection of Vital Interests of the Constitutional Court of Republika Srpska (RS) took place on Monday, in Banja Luka. In line with its constitutional authority, the Council determined that amendments to the Law on the Use of the Flag, Coat of Arms, and Anthem—adopted by the National Assembly of RS during its 11th regular session on November 5, 2024—do not infringe upon the vital national interest of the Bosniak people.

The revised law introduces a new paragraph to Article 8, which permits the display of foreign flags and emblems, and the performance of foreign anthems under specific conditions. These include agreements on special parallel relations or shared historical, cultural, and traditional heritage between RS and foreign states, or states with which RS constituent peoples or citizens identify.

The Bosniak Caucus in the Council of Peoples of RS raised concerns, asserting that the amended law violates provisions related to vital national interests outlined in Amendment LXXII of the RS Constitution. They argued it undermines Bosniak identity, particularly in areas such as education, religion, language, and cultural heritage.

After examining these claims, the Council concluded that the amendment explicitly allows for equal opportunities among all constituent peoples and others in RS to display flags and emblems of states they identify with, based on shared heritage, during official events.

“The provisions do not privilege or discriminate against any group. Members of all constituent peoples, including Bosniaks, are afforded equal rights to display the flags and emblems of states with which they share historical, cultural, or traditional ties,” RS Constitutional Court stated.

The Council dismissed the Bosniak Caucus's claims, emphasizing that the contested amendment preserves equality and does not deprive any group of their rights regarding symbols of shared heritage.