WASHINGTON   –  A resolution authored by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) is getting bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives for a constitutional amendment to prevent desecration of the American flag.

“The American flag is more than a symbol, especially to the American men and women who have served in uniform, putting their lives at risk for our country with the flag stitched on their sleeves.  People who desecrate our flag don’t fully understand, and certainly do not respect, the service of these Americans in defense of our freedoms,” Emerson said.

She also pointed out that, while the First Amendment protects free speech, it offers no protection for hate speech. 

“When a flag is burned or desecrated, especially by another American citizen, a severe injury is inflicted on the patriots of this country who have served us and by those who have lost a loved one,” Emerson added.

The proposed constitutional amendment is one sentence: “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.”

Regarding the prospects for her measure’s passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, Emerson said, “I think there is a lot of support for this idea in Congress, among veterans service organizations in our country, and by the American public.  Before the Supreme Court invalidated flag protection laws in 1989, 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia had measures on the books.  I would very much like there to be an opportunity to restore that much-needed sanctity to our flag.  It’s a symbol of every American life spent or lost in the service of our country,” Emerson said.

Since the 1989 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Texas v. Johnson, all 50 states have passed memorializing resolutions asking Congress to pass a constitutional amendment and to send it to the states for ratification.