Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

12/30/2022, 9:30 PM

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

Bill 117 HJRes 51, also known as the Flag Desecration Amendment, proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would give Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. This means that Congress would have the authority to pass laws that make it illegal to deface or destroy the American flag in any way.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the flag is a symbol of the United States and should be treated with respect. They believe that allowing the flag to be desecrated is disrespectful to the country and to those who have fought and died for it. They also argue that prohibiting flag desecration is a way to protect the integrity of the flag and uphold national pride.

Opponents of the amendment, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. They believe that individuals should have the right to express themselves, even if that means using the flag in a way that some may find offensive. They also argue that the government should not have the power to restrict speech, even if it is deemed disrespectful. The Flag Desecration Amendment has been a controversial issue for many years, with multiple attempts to pass similar legislation in the past. It remains to be seen whether this latest attempt will gain enough support to become law.
Congress
117

Number
HJRES - 51

Introduced on
2021-06-14

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/14/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

Bill 117 HJRes 51, also known as the Flag Desecration Amendment, proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would give Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. This means that Congress would have the authority to pass laws that make it illegal to deface or destroy the American flag in any way.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the flag is a symbol of the United States and should be treated with respect. They believe that allowing the flag to be desecrated is disrespectful to the country and to those who have fought and died for it. They also argue that prohibiting flag desecration is a way to protect the integrity of the flag and uphold national pride.

Opponents of the amendment, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. They believe that individuals should have the right to express themselves, even if that means using the flag in a way that some may find offensive. They also argue that the government should not have the power to restrict speech, even if it is deemed disrespectful. The Flag Desecration Amendment has been a controversial issue for many years, with multiple attempts to pass similar legislation in the past. It remains to be seen whether this latest attempt will gain enough support to become law.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedProposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

Policy Areas
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact
Constitution and constitutional amendments•
First Amendment rights•
National symbols

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary7/6/2021

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.


Latest Action11/1/2022
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.