S*501 Session 109 (1991-1992)
S*0501 Concurrent Resolution, By A.S. Macaulay, Bryan, Courson, Drummond,
H.U. Fielding, Giese, F. Gilbert, J.C. Hayes, R.L. Helmly, D.L. Hinds,
C.T. Hinson, Holland, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, J.M. Long, I.E. Lourie,
J.A. Martin, S.S. Martschink, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, T.W. Mitchell, Moore,
M.F. Mullinax, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, T.H. Pope, Reese,
M.T. Rose, Russell, Saleeby, Setzler, R.C. Shealy, H.C. Smith, J.V. Smith,
N.W. Smith, H.S. Stilwell, Thomas, J.M. Waddell, Washington, M.B. Williams and
Wilson
A Concurrent Resolution memorializing Congress to propose an amendment to the
United States Constitution for ratification by the states specifying that
Congress and the states may prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of
the United States of America.
01/17/91 Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-8
01/22/91 House Introduced HJ-9
01/22/91 House Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
Resolutions HJ-9
01/30/91 House Committee report: Favorable Invitations and
Memorial Resolutions HJ-4
02/05/91 House Adopted HJ-23
02/05/91 House Returned to Senate with concurrence HJ-23
ADOPTED
February 5, 1991
S. 501
Introduced by SENATORS Macaulay, Bryan, Courson, Drummond,
Fielding, Giese, Gilbert, Hayes, Helmly, Hinds, Hinson, Holland, Land,
Leatherman, Leventis, Long, Lourie, Martin, Martschink, Matthews,
McConnell, McGill, Mitchell, Moore, Mullinax, O'Dell, Passailaigue,
Patterson, Peeler, Pope, Reese, Rose, Russell, Saleeby, Setzler, Shealy,
Horace C. Smith, J. Verne Smith, Nell W. Smith, Stilwell, Thomas,
Waddell, Washington, Williams and Wilson
S. Printed 2/5/91--S.
Read the first time January 17, 1991.
A CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT
TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR RATIFICATION
BY THE STATES SPECIFYING THAT CONGRESS AND THE
STATES MAY PROHIBIT THE PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE
FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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,
therefore, are worthy of protection from desecration and dishonor; and
Whereas, the American flag was most nobly born in the struggle for
independence that began with "The Shot Heard `Round the
World" on a bridge in Concord, Massachusetts; and
Whereas, in the War of 1812, the American flag stood boldly against
foreign invasion, symbolized the stand of a young and brave nation
against the mighty world power of that day, and, in its courageous
resilience, inspired our national anthem; and
Whereas, in the Second World War the American flag was the banner
that led the American battle against fascist imperialism from the depths
of Pearl Harbor to the mountaintop on Iwo Jima and from defeat in
North Africa's Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's
Germany; and
Whereas, the American flag symbolizes the ideals for which good and
decent people fought in Vietnam, often at the expense of their lives or
at the cost of cruel condemnation upon their return home; and
Whereas, the American flag symbolizes the sacred values for which
loyal Americans risked and often lost their lives in securing civil rights
for all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or national origin; and
Whereas, the American flag 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 American flag was carried forth to the moon as a banner
of goodwill, vision, and triumph on behalf of all mankind; and
Whereas, the American flag, even now, is the rallying flag for those of
the world who would protect its people from the heinous crimes and
inhumanity of a despotic ruler and is, for civilized nations, the symbol
of resistance to this tyranny and oppression in the Middle East; and
Whereas, it is only fitting that the people should blend their voices in 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 Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly memorialize Congress to
propose an amendment to the United States Constitution for ratification
by the states specifying that Congress and the states may prohibit the
physical desecration of the flag of the United States of America.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States
House of Representatives, and the members of this state's congressional
delegation.
-----XX----- |