Steny Hoyer: “It gives me absolutely no pleasure to oppose this proposed constitutional amendment providing the physical desecration…”

“It gives me absolutely no pleasure to oppose this proposed constitutional amendment providing the physical desecration of our flag. I believe people ought not to engage in that kind of activity, but our flag is more than mere cloth. It is a universal symbol for freedom, democracy and liberty, and it will continue to be so for so long as the symbols for which it stands flies high in the hearts of every American. Those who would desecrate it only seek to grab attention for themselves and inflame the passions of patriotic Americans. Without doubt, they deserve both our contempt and our pity for their stupidity, but while I appreciate and respect the motivations of those who offer and support this amendment, I will oppose it for the reasons so eloquently articulated by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul) and Senator McConnell of Kentucky. In opposing a similar amendment a few years ago, Senator McConnell stated that it 'rips the fabric of our Constitution at its very center, the first amendment.'”