[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 194 (Thursday, December 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S18127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                FLAG PROTECTION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I strongly support Senate Joint Resolution 
31, which amends the Constitution to protect the flag of the United 
States from those who would desecrate it.
  The American flag is a national symbol of the values this country was 
founded on. Many Americans have fought and died to defend these values 
and this country. It is an insult to these patriots, their relatives, 
and all other citizens who hold this country dear, to burn or desecrate 
the symbol of our Nation and our freedom.
  I certainly support the right of all citizens to freedom of speech, 
but that right has never been absolute in our country. That is why 
there are laws against libel, slander, perjury, and obscenity. 
Similarly, our freedom of political expression is also limited. No one 
can legally deface the Supreme Court building or the Washington 
Monument, no matter how much he or she might wish to protest a 
particular government policy or law. The American flag, deserves 
special protection under the Constitution. It simply is not necessary 
to commit an act of violence against this flag to register protest 
against the Government. Passage of Senate Joint Resolution 31 will help 
ensure our national symbol receives the respect and protection it 
deserves.
  Again, Mr. President, I offer my strong support for Senate Joint 
Resolution 31 and I urge my colleagues to support it as well.

                          ____________________