Should the United States Enact a Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit Flag Burning?
Introduction Did you know that the proper method of destroying or “retiring” a flag that is worn out or soiled is to burn it? Boy Scouts and American Legion groups regularly perform such ceremonies. However, ordinary citizens who have burned flags for other reasons, such as political protest, have often been subject to arrest in this country. This is because many states, including Texas, have laws making it a crime to burn or desecrate the flag. In 1984, Gregory Lee Johnson was arrested for burning a flag during protest outside the Republican National Convention in Texas. His case eventually went to the Supreme Court of the United States. In the 5 to 4 ruling the Court explained that what Johnson did is a form of speech that is protected by the First Amendment. Question/Task In response to this decision, flag supporters have tried to pass a Constitutional amendment to protect the flag or prohibit flag burning. A proposed constitutional amendment needs a two-thirds majority in both hous
