House passes 5th flag-burning ban in 8 years
Senate approval seen as less likely; measure also needs states' OK
WASHINGTON - In what Democrats called an annual GOP rite of spring, the Republican-controlled House on Tuesday passed an amendment to the Constitution to criminalize flag-burning for the fifth time in eight years.
Senate passage is less likely. The constitutional amendment needs a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate and approval by three-fourths of state legislatures.
Burning an American flag shows disrespect for America, and the majority of the American people approve of legally protecting Old Glory, supporters said.
"If we allow its defacement, we allow our country's gradual decline," said Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio.
Democratic Rep. Mel Watt of Charlotte tried to amend the bill to protect people who consider their desecration of the flag an expression of their First Amendment right to free speech.
Watt's amendment was voted down 296-129.
Lawmakers have debated the flag amendment almost annually since a 5-4 Supreme Court decision in 1989 saying flag-burning was a protected free speech right.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/6008358.htm