[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT THE PHYSICAL 
        DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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                               speech of

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 1999

  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, to an overwhelming majority of the American 
people, the flag has almost a sacred meaning that words cannot 
adequately define--something that stands for the country's most 
fundamental principles of justice and opportunity and for the millions 
of men and women who have made freedom possible by defending these 
principles.
  Opponents of our amendment believe flag desecration should be allowed 
as a right of free expression. While I understand their position, I 
strongly disagree with it.
  Preventing someone from burning and multilating the flag in public 
does not diminish the values on which the country is founded, including 
free expression. Instead, by protecting the flag, I believe we uphold 
these values, we honor them, we strengthen them.
  Throughout history, in fact, our country has recognized certain 
limitations on freedom of expression, including libel and slander laws, 
laws protecting the nation's security, and laws to keep tax returns 
confidential. Until 1990, when the Supreme Court issued its ruling in a 
close 5-4 vote, anti-flag descration laws were considered a legitimate 
exception by the court.
  By passing this amendment, we can restore the historic respect that 
we pay to the country's ideals and to the service and sacrifice that it 
has taken to keep them secure.

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