J.R. 2

1994 JOINT RESOLUTIONS

RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be transmitted by the Department of
Legislative Reference to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the President
of the U.S. Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the Department of
Legislative Reference to the Honorable William Donald Schaefer, Governor of
Maryland; the Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of the Senate of
Maryland; and the Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr., Speaker of the House of Delegates
the Maryland Congressional Delegation: Senators Paul S. Sarbanes and Barbara A. Mikulski,
Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; and Representatives Wayne T. Gilchrest,
Helen Delich Bentley, Benjamin L. Cardin, Albert R. Wynn, Steny Hamilton Hoyer, Roscoe G.
Bartlett, Kweisi Mfume, and Constance H. Morella, House Office Building, Washington, D. C.
20515.

Signed May 26,1994.

Joint Resolution No. 2
(House Joint Resolution No. 6)

A House 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

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