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.

12/15/2023, 3:52 PM

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

Bill 118 hjres 73, 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. The bill aims to protect the symbolic value of the American flag and prevent acts of disrespect towards it.

If passed, this amendment would allow Congress to pass legislation that criminalizes actions such as burning, defacing, or otherwise damaging the flag. Supporters of the bill argue that the flag is a powerful symbol of American unity and should be treated with respect. They believe that allowing the desecration of the flag undermines the values it represents.

Opponents of the bill, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment and that prohibiting it would violate freedom of expression. They believe that the government should not have the power to dictate how individuals choose to express themselves, even if it involves disrespecting the flag. The Flag Desecration Amendment has been a controversial issue in Congress for many years, with multiple attempts to pass similar legislation in the past. The bill has sparked debates about the balance between protecting national symbols and upholding constitutional rights. As of now, the bill is still under consideration in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
Congress
118

Number
HJRES - 73

Introduced on
2023-06-14

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/14/2023

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 118 hjres 73, 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. The bill aims to protect the symbolic value of the American flag and prevent acts of disrespect towards it.

If passed, this amendment would allow Congress to pass legislation that criminalizes actions such as burning, defacing, or otherwise damaging the flag. Supporters of the bill argue that the flag is a powerful symbol of American unity and should be treated with respect. They believe that allowing the desecration of the flag undermines the values it represents.

Opponents of the bill, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment and that prohibiting it would violate freedom of expression. They believe that the government should not have the power to dictate how individuals choose to express themselves, even if it involves disrespecting the flag. The Flag Desecration Amendment has been a controversial issue in Congress for many years, with multiple attempts to pass similar legislation in the past. The bill has sparked debates about the balance between protecting national symbols and upholding constitutional rights. As of now, the bill is still under consideration in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
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

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/16/2023

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


Latest Action6/14/2023
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.