The proposed amendment, Bishop said, does not restrict free speech but conforms to the original, traditional definition that existed before revisions by the Supreme Court.

"While I'm always hesitant to amend the Constitution, this is a prudent, conservative step that returns logic to our First Amendment and protects a national symbol," Bishop said.

To become law, the amendment has to be adopted by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, and then ratified by three-fourths of America's state legislatures within seven years.

Ratification of the amendment, by itself, would not prohibit flag desecration. It only gives Congress the legislative authority to prohibit flag desecration. Actual prohibition of flag desecration would have to be passed separately.

All 50 states have passed resolutions calling on Congress to pass the amendment.

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Contributing: Laurie Kellman, Associated Press

E-mail: spang@desnews.com