Senator Marshall Joins Senators Hawley and Lee in Introducing Legislation to Increase Penalties Against Criminal Flag Burners

Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined fellow Republican Senators Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) to introduce the Enhanced Penalties for Criminal Flag Burners Act, which would enact sentencing enhancements for individuals who burn the American flag in the course of committing a federal offense. 

If signed into law, the Enhanced Penalties for Criminal Flag Burners Act would ensure that criminals who burn flags to further their delinquent schemes serve an extra year in prison. It would also formally recognize the danger to people and property posed by burning the American flag.

“While the First Amendment safeguards free expression, it does not shield those who commit federal crimes. Burning the flag as part of such lawlessness, especially when it endangers lives or property, warrants a harsher penalty, as it compounds the offense with a deliberate affront to our nation’s symbol,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to join Senator Hawley in introducing this commonsense legislation that protects the vital symbols that unite us all.”

“Committing a crime is not protected under the First Amendment. If you are putting people and property in danger and burning our flag in the process, you should serve extra time in prison,” said Senator Hawley. “I encourage all of my Republican colleagues to join President Trump in supporting this legislation. It’s time to restore law and order in America and demand our flag be treated with respect.”

Click here to read the full bill text.

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