Washington, DC -- Congressman Neil Abercrombie made the following statement following today's House of Representatives approval of House Joint Resolution 10.

"Like most Americans, I am deeply distressed by reports of misguided individuals burning or otherwise desecrating the American flag.  Those who do so are displaying their own immaturity, a lack of appreciation for the blessings afforded by American citizenship, and contempt for the feelings of those of us who are outraged and heartsick at such behavior.

"Most importantly, they exhibit deep seated ignorance of what the flag stands for.  It represents, among other things, the freedoms embodied in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States.  Brave men and women have died in defense of those freedoms. I, in turn, would be remiss if I failed to defend them in my capacity as a Member of Congress.  Included in those rights is freedom of expression, no matter how wrongheaded the idea being expressed, no matter how provocative the means of expression.  With so much at stake, I do not believe the proponents of this resolution have demonstrated a compelling state interest for changing the Bill of Rights in order to protect the flag.  Indeed, the greatest honor we can render our flag is to protect the principles it represents.

"I understand and respect the views of those who believe that such an amendment should be enacted.  Nonetheless, our country has survived and flourished for more than two centuries without changing the Bill of Rights.  America is a great nation-- certainly greater than the few individuals who would desecrate our flag.  It would be a mistake to allow those misguided few to manipulate us into undermining the very freedoms which are the very essence of our greatness."

Abercrombie voted for an amendment offered by Rep. Mel Watt providing that a flag desecration ban would be valid only if the courts rule it consistent with the First Amendment.  Abercrombie voted against final passage of House Joint Resolution 10 after the Watt amendment failed to pass.

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