Alaska Senate urges Congress to pass flag-protection amendment

By The Associated Press

05.01.02

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JUNEAU, Alaska — The state Senate passed a resolution this week urging Congress to outlaw flag burning.

House Joint Resolution 30 is in conjunction with efforts in other states to urge Congress to ban the physical desecration of the American flag through a constitutional amendment that would have to be ratified by the states.

The Senate passed the measure 18-1 on April 29. State Sen. Kim Elton, D-Juneau, cast the lone vote against the measure.

Elton said he is a Vietnam War veteran who is offended by those who burn the American flag as a protest gesture, but also wary of the government limiting free speech in such a way.

Copies of the resolution are to be sent to Vice President Dick Cheney and congressional leaders.

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