WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

J.R.I

JOINT RESOLUTIONS SIGNED

by the

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

and the

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Joint Resolution No. 1
(Senate Joint Resolution No. 4)

A Senate Joint Resolution concerning

Federal Constitutional Amendment - Desecration of American Flag

FOR the purpose of memorializing the Congress of the United States to propose a
federal constitutional amendment which authorizes the Congress and the states to
prohibit the physical desecration of the American Flag.

WHEREAS, Although the right of free expression is part of the foundation of the
United States Constitution, very carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances
have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining public safety and decency,
as well as orderliness and productive value of public debate; and

WHEREAS, Certain actions, although arguably related to one person's free
expression, nevertheless raise issues concerning public decency, public peace, and the
rights of expression and sacred values of others; and

WHEREAS, There are symbols of our national soul such as the Washington
Monument, the United States Capitol Building, and memorials to our greatest leaders,
which are the property of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from
desecration and dishonor; and

WHEREAS, The American Flag to this day is a most honorable and worthy banner
of a nation which is thankful for its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and
remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the universal power of the
American ideal; and

WHEREAS, The law as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court no longer
accords to the Stars and Stripes that reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner
of that most noble experiment of a nation state; and

WHEREAS, It is only fitting that people everywhere should lend their voices to a
forceful call for restoration to the Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and
decency; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
General Assembly respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States to
propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification by the states,
specifying that Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the physical
desecration of the flag of the United States; and be it further

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