For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - U.S. Representative Dan Boren today voted to pass H.J. Res. 10, a proposed amendment the U.S. Constitution to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.  With the support of the Oklahoma delegation, the amendment passed the House by a vote of 286-130. 

 

“Burning the flag dishonors the countless American’s that died defending our country,” Boren said.  “It’s an act of betrayal to our veterans and to all those currently serving in Iraq and around the globe,” Boren said. 

 

Boren, a cosponsor of the bill, says that the proposed amendment reflects the will of the majority, citing prior House passage of the proposed amendment in five separate Congresses.  

 

“Respect for our flag is an American value, and the people clearly want to protect their flag,” Boren said.   

Boren says the proposed amendment does not prevent individuals from speaking out against the government, its policies, its people or anything that they represent. Rather, it simply prohibits acts of physical desecration of the flag. 

“This is a values issue,” Boren said.  “This debate is about what we will teach our children.  In Oklahoma, we teach our children to honor those who fight for their country.  Burning the U.S. flag goes against our way of life,” Boren explained. 

 

An amendment to the Constitution must be passed by a supermajority of both the House and Senate, and then ratified by three-fourths (38) of the state legislatures.  The proposed amendment must be ratified by the states within seven years of submission of the amendment to the states.

 

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