A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

3/12/2024, 8:42 AM

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

Bill 118 SJRes 34, also known as a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States, is a proposed legislation that aims to give Congress the power to prevent the disrespectful treatment of the American flag.

The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to allow Congress to pass laws that would make it illegal to physically deface or damage the flag in any way. This includes actions such as burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying the flag as a form of protest or expression.

Supporters of the bill argue that the flag is a symbol of the United States and should be treated with respect and reverence. They believe that allowing the desecration of the flag is disrespectful to the country and its values. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression. They believe that restricting the desecration of the flag would infringe on individuals' rights to express themselves. Overall, Bill 118 SJRes 34 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between protecting national symbols and upholding the principles of free speech. It remains to be seen whether Congress will ultimately pass this proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Congress
118

Number
SJRES - 34

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 SJRes 34, also known as a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States, is a proposed legislation that aims to give Congress the power to prevent the disrespectful treatment of the American flag.

The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to allow Congress to pass laws that would make it illegal to physically deface or damage the flag in any way. This includes actions such as burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying the flag as a form of protest or expression.

Supporters of the bill argue that the flag is a symbol of the United States and should be treated with respect and reverence. They believe that allowing the desecration of the flag is disrespectful to the country and its values. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that flag desecration is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression. They believe that restricting the desecration of the flag would infringe on individuals' rights to express themselves. Overall, Bill 118 SJRes 34 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between protecting national symbols and upholding the principles of free speech. It remains to be seen whether Congress will ultimately pass this proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress 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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.