05/05/1998 03:40 PM Senate STA

Number 170                                                                     
                                                                               
                HJR 59 - DESECRATION OF U.S. FLAG                              
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN GREEN introduced HJR 59 as the next order of business.                
                                                                               
JAMES HORNADAY, staff to Representative Pete Kott who is the prime             
sponsor of HJR 59, explained the resolution urges Congress to                  
present a constitutional amendment to the states that would                    
authorize  Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the                
American flag.                                                                 
                                                                               
He said the flag has long been enshrined as the symbol of what is              
right with America and is a most worthy emblem of our nation.                  
However, 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 our noble experiment of            
a nation state, which Lincoln called the last best hope of mankind.            
                                                                               
In closing, Mr. Hornaday said Representative Kott urges support for            
the resolution, realizing that there are very strong emotional                 
feelings on the issue.                                                         
                                                                               
There being no questions or further testimony on HJR 59, CHAIRMAN              
GREEN requested a motion to move the legislation out of committee.             
                                                                               
SENATOR MILLER moved HJR 59 be passed out of committee with                    
individual recommendations.  Hearing no objection, it was so                   
ordered.