Published: February 08, 1999
Last Updated: March 02, 1999
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ASNE on the move

A bill has been introduced in the new U.S. House of Representatives to revive the flag desecration amendment. ASNE and other groups in the last two Congresses have opposed the measure, which would for the first time amend the Bill of Rights and First Amendment to criminalize flag burning.

The measure would overturn Supreme Court rulings that have held flag burning to be constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment. The measure has passed the House twice, but failed to get the necessary two-thirds of the Senate the first time and was withdrawn the second when it became clear the votes weren’t there.