Flag Amendment Defeated in Senate, Veterans Celebrate Defense of Constitution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gary May info@veteransdefending.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 27, 2006) — Today the U.S. Senate defeated a constitutional amendment to ban flag “desecration,” (S.J. Res.12), falling one vote short of the two-thirds required. The proposed amendment would have marked the first time in U.S. history that the First Amendment’s – or any part of the Bill of Rights’ -- scope was narrowed. Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights (VDBR) applauds the Senate for standing for the freedom of expression.

“Rejecting the flag amendment was the honorable thing to do. I am pleased that the Senate wisely abandoned a reckless enterprise that would have weakened the Bill of Rights and set a dangerous precedent for future erosions of basic freedoms,” said Gary May, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and chairman of VDBR. “By upholding the freedom of speech, the Senate demonstrated America’s commitment to democracy.”

VDBR and other veterans groups, including Veterans for Peace and Veterans for Common Sense have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed amendment.

“Without the distraction and bitter division caused by this unnecessary constitutional amendment, the Senate can now move on to address more pressing issues affecting this country,” said Keith Kreul, past national commander of the American Legion and VDBR member. “I hope that Congress will now choose to show real support for veterans by improving VA funding, social services and health care for America’s heroes.”

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Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights is a network of U.S. military veterans founded in 1999 to oppose a constitutional amendment to outlaw flag “desecration” and to fight to preserve Americans’ First Amendment freedoms. For more information visit www.veteransdefending.org.