J.R. 8

1997 JOINT RESOLUTIONS

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the Department of
Legislative Reference to the Honorable Parris N. Glendening, Governor of Maryland; the
Honorable David Winstead, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation, P.O.
Box 8755, BWI Airport, Maryland 21240-0755; the Honorable James Brady, Secretary,
Department of Business and Economic Development, 217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore,
MD 21202-3344; 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;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the Department of
Legislative Reference to the Maryland Congressional Delegation: Senators Paul S.
Sarbanes and Barbara A. Mikulski, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; and
Representatives Wayne T. Gilchrest, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Benjamin L. Cardin, Albert
R. Wynn, Steny Hamilton Hoyer, Roscoe G. Bartlett, Elijah E. Cummings, and Constance
A. Morella, House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Department of
Legislative Reference to Linda J. Morgan, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, 12th
& Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20423.

Signed April 8, 1997.

Joint Resolution No. 8
(House Joint Resolution No. 25)

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, The matter is still unresolved and pending as a subject of great interest
and concern; 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

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