U.S. Representative John Murtha (D-PA) introduced House Joint Resolution 12, a proposed amendment to the U. S. Constitution to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
BACKGROUND
Congress has debated a flag amendment nearly every year since the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag burning is a form of speech protected by the Constitution. The House of Representatives has passed the measure six times since 1995. Unfortunately, the Senate has yet to obtain the two-thirds vote necessary to send the amendment to the states for ratification.
More than 275 members of the House of Representatives support the amendment, as indicated by prior voting records or written commitment. Forty-seven members are official co-sponsors of the resolution this session. The remaining 228 supporters need to be “converted” to official co-sponsors and help move H.J.R. 12 to the House floor for a vote.
BILL HIGHLIGHTS
The text of the amendment remains as it was in the previous Congress: “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”
GRANGE POLICY
The National Grange urges that emphasis be placed on educating the American public on all aspects of respect for the treatment of the American Flag. We support laws prohibiting the desecration of the American flag. Flag desecration should be classified as a federal felony and the penalty being strictly enforced with no exception. If this law is not upheld, we urge Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that will ban the desecration of the American Flag.
Action Needed
Please e-mail your U. S. Representative urging them to co-sponsor and support H.J.R. 12. Please feel free to cut and paste the following sample letter. If you do not know your Representative’s e-mail address please click here to find it.
Sample E-Mail:
Dear Representative _____________,
Please co-sponsor and support H.J.R. 12, a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States flag. Although the flag amendment has passed the House of Representatives six consecutive times, it has never been approved by the Senate. As a result, the House of Representatives must again introduce and pass H.J.R. 12.
The flag of the United States represents our country’s identity. Destroying the American flag should not be protected as freedom of speech. H.J.R. 12 states, “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” Please join me in supporting this patriotic resolution and the symbol of American freedom.
(Signature)
(Name)_________________
(Grange name and number) ________________
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If you have any questions or comments regarding this Action Alert, please contact Legislative Program Assistant Samantha Johnson by e-mail: sjohnson@nationalgrange.org or by phone 1-888-4GRANGE, ext. 109.
Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative Program.
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