1997 Assembly Joint Resolution 52
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: requesting appropriate action by the Congress to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of the foundation of the U.S. 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 the 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 the 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 are therefore worthy of protection from desecration and dishonor; and
Whereas, the American flag to this day is a most honorable and worthy banner of a nation that is thankful for its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and it remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the universal power of the American ideal; and
Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that reverence, respect and dignity befitting the banner of that most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should lend their voices to 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 assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature of the state of Wisconsin proposes to the Congress of the United States that procedures be instituted in the Congress to add a new article to the Constitution of the United States, and that the state of Wisconsin requests the Congress to prepare and submit to the several states an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, prohibiting the physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the president and secretary of the senate of the United States, to the speaker and clerk of the house of representatives of the United States, to each member of the congressional delegation from this state and to the presiding officer of each house of each state legislature in the United States attesting the adoption of this joint resolution by the 1997 legislature of the state of Wisconsin.
