GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1276

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Sponsors: Representatives Smith; Alphin, Bowman, J. Brown, Church, Culp, DeVane, Dickson, Ellis, Gardner, Hill, Howard, Justus, McCrary, McLawhorn, Nichols, Nye, Redwine, Richardson, Spears, Sutton, Warner, Weatherly, Wilkins, and C. Wilson.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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May 6, 1993

A JOINT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION PROVIDING THE STATES THE POWER TO PROHIBIT THE PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG.
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 defining other societal standards; 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 other citizens; and
Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as the Washington Monument, the United States Capital Building, and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property of every American and are worthy of protection from desecration and dishonor; 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, a nation that 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 the Stars and Stripes the 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 of the Stars and Stripes to a proper station under law and decency;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
Sec. 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President of the United States Senate, to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the North Carolina congressional delegation.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.