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| Wilson: ‘Respect What Our Flag Symbolizes’ |
June 03, 2003 |
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Lawmaker Supports Ban on Flag Desecration
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson voted today for a constitutional amendment that prohibits desecration of the flag of the United States. Wilson, the first female veteran to serve in the United States House of Representatives, co-sponsored today’s bipartisan legislation.
“The flag of the United States is more than just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of the freedom thousands of brave men and women have given their lives to protect,” Wilson said. “Just last week we observed Memorial Day throughout this country, as 139 families feel the loss of a loved one recently killed in military service. That flag symbolizes their sacrifice, and that’s something that deserves our respect.”
The proposed amendment now needs approval by two-thirds of the U.S. Senate and approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures in order to take effect. 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 has passed the House on four occasions in 1990, 1995, 1999, and 2001, but has not received the 67 votes necessary in the Senate.
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