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| Wilson Votes for Flag Desecration Ban |
July 17, 2001 |
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| Representative Wilson supports constitutional amendment to prohibit physical destruction of U.S. flag
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson voted today for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit desecration of the flag of the United States. Wilson, who is the first female veteran to serve in the United States House of Representatives, was a co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation that passed the House today by an overwhelming 298-125 vote.
“The flag of the United States is more than just a piece of cloth. It is the preeminent symbol of freedom that thousands of brave men and woman have given their lives to protect us,” Wilson said.
Having passed the House the amendment now needs approval by two-thirds of the US Senate and approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures in order to enact the amendment. If approved by Congress and the states, the amendment would become the 28th amendment to the United States constitution.
Since the Supreme Court in 1989 invalidated laws in 48 states that prohibit burning of the U.S. flag, Congress has introduced legislation to add a constitutional amendment to forbid flag desecration. The amendment passed the House on three occasions in 1990, 1995, and 1999, but did not receive the 67 votes necessary in the Senate.
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