Reps. Stahl, Accavitti, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Brown, Caswell, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farhat, Garfield, Hager, Huizenga, Jamnick, Julian, LaJoy, Meyer, Mortimer, Pappageorge, Pastor, Richardville, Rocca, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Vander Veen and Voorhees offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 80.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to prohibit the desecration of the American flag.

            Whereas, Throughout our history, the American flag has held a unique place of respect and affection among our people.  This symbol of our shared ideals and aspirations has taken on even greater meaning in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks and through our growing appreciation of the suffering of the men and women who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve our liberties; and

            Whereas, In recent years, there has been considerable debate over the idea of extending constitutional protection to the flag.  The people of our country strongly support establishing special protections for our national symbol.  Extending this status to our most cherished symbol would only accord due recognition to a unique component of our national identity; and

            Whereas, Debate on the issue of creating a constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of our flag often centers on what constitutes freedom of expression and free speech.  In this discussion, it is important to realize that a prohibition on flag desecration would not eliminate or restrict other avenues of expression or protest.  Thoughtful citizens do not equate providing protection for the flag with the removal of freedom of speech any more than laws generally provide acceptable limits of behavior for the common good; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to prohibit the desecration of the American flag; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.