American Civil Liberties Union

Free Speech:
Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans. Since 1920, the ACLU has worked to preserve our freedom of speech. Learn more and take action to protect the right to free speech.



Freedom Files - Season 2
Ideological Exclusion

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Flag Amendment Defeated, First Amendment Stands Unscathed

Veterans

Are you a veteran who fought to defend the American right to freedom of speech?
Take Action on the Flag Amendment

Tell Congress to defend the First Amendment!

On June 27, 2006, the Senate voted down the proposed Flag Desecration Amendment by the slimmest margin ever.  The vote was 66-34, just one vote short of the two-thirds needed to approve a constitutional amendment.

For over a decade, the ACLU has fought to keep a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the First Amendment from becoming a reality.  We must always remain vigilant against any attempts to write censorship into our Constitution.  We applaud the Senators who voted to reject this attack on freedom. Sadly, it remains likely that this misguided proposal will come back again.

The ACLU worked with veterans, religious leaders and other Americans who believe that such a constitutional amendment would undermine the very principles for which the American flag stands.  With their help and yours, we defeated this needless and ill-conceived amendment once again.

Thank you for standing up for freedom and making your voice heard!

> Veteran And Veteran Organization Statements And Letters
> Organizational Testimony, Statements And Letters
> Conservatives And Others Opposed To The Amendment
> Editorials, Op-Eds, And Letters Opposing The Amendment
> Other Resources

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