Scarnati to Introduce Resolution on the Burning of the American Flag

WARREN—State Senator Joe Scarnati is introducing a resolution urging Congress to revisit the issue of a constitutional amendment prohibiting the burning of the American flag. This resolution is currently being sent around for co-sponsorships and will then be introduced immediately thereafter.

"I am disappointed with the vote in the United States Senate on the constitutional amendment to make it illegal to burn the American flag, as it failed by just one vote," Scarnati stated. "It is my hope that all state legislatures across the union will encourage their federal elected officials to vote in support of this amendment."

"The flag is not only a symbol of this country and the freedoms we possess, it is also a symbol of the men and women who fought to secure an America free of tyranny and oppression," Scarnati stated. "It is disgraceful and ridiculous to think that burning the flag represents a person's freedom of speech."

Scarnati pointed out that two-thirds of the Senate and two-thirds of the House of Representatives was needed to send this amendment to the state legislature for potential ratification. The House has passed this amendment several times before and it is believed that more than three-fourths of state legislatures would vote to ratify this amendment.

"While I recognize that our liberal court system and a few others believe it is their constitutional right to burn the flag, I also firmly believe they are misguided and do not recognize that this country has laws against many offensive acts that look to harm or hurt individuals," Scarnati said. This is no different, as by burning the flag you are committing a serious offense against our country, our veterans and military, and all citizens who make up this great nation."

Scarnati concluded by issuing this message to the people who believe it is their right to burn or desecrate the American flag.

"To those of you who believe it is your right to burn the flag, I ask that you step back, look at the flag, and realize what it really represents," Scarnati concluded. "Whether you agree with government policies or not, you must not confuse the pride of our country with political motivation and misplaced anger."