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Ban Flag Burning, Say Poll Takers 81 Percent Back Amendment Before The House On Thursday

Hearst Newspapers

Supporters of a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning released a poll Tuesday showing 81 percent of Americans support the measure. They also predicted victory when the House votes Thursday on the amendment.

Rep. Gerald B.H. Solomon, R-N.Y., chief sponsor of the amendment, told a news conference he hopes the poll and the expected House victory will give the measure a boost when it reaches the Senate.

The poll, conducted by Republican pollster Wirthlin Worldwide, surveyed 847 voters for the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition of more than 100 veteran and civics groups that support the amendment. The poll also indicated that Americans favor the measure regardless of their race, gender, age or political affiliation.

“Eighty percent of Americans can’t be wrong,” Solomon said. “That’s why we’re going to pass this flag protection amendment easily in the House and put pressure on the Senate to do the same.”

The amendment would authorize Congress “to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” The amendment would give Congress the authority to set penalties for those convicted of burning, tearing or otherwise desecrating the flag.

If it passes Congress by two-thirds majorities in both chambers, it must then be ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. Solomon said 49 states are backing the amendment; Vermont is the exception.

Retired Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady, chairman of the alliance and a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, said Thursday’s House vote “will be a rejection of outrageous conduct,” and a “vote for respect in our society.”

Solomon, chairman of the House Rules Committee, said he is confident the amendment will receive the required two-thirds majority in the House.

In the Senate, where the amendment is sponsored by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the proposal is three votes shy, according to Dan Wheeler, president of the Citizens Flag Alliance.