A man has been jailed for more than 15 years for burning an LGBTQ flag that was being displayed at a church in the US.
Adolfo Martinez, 30, of Ames, Iowa, was sentenced to 15 years for hate crime as well as a year for the reckless use of fire, and 30 days for harassment.
The sentences are to be served consecutively, Story County court records show.
Martinez admitted to police in June that he stole a pride banner hanging outside the Ames United Church of Christ and set it on fire using lighter fluid
A jury convicted Martinez in November before he was sentenced on Thursday.
Martinez said he tore down the flag and burned it because he opposes homosexuality.
After the incident he told a local reporter he had no regrets.
Asked if he would fight the charges he said: "No, I'm guilty as charged.
"I burned down their pride, plain and simple. I don't need weapons, I have the spirit of God on my side.
"It was an honor to do that, it's a blessing from the Lord to be able to stand for his Word firmly against all odds."
