Republicans propose constitutional amendment to outlaw flag burning — President Trump endorses it

President Donald Trump is supporting a proposed constitutional amendment that would outlaw American flag desecration.

What are the details?

Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced a constitutional amendment on Friday that would give Congress the authority to ban flag burning.

"The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States," the proposed amendment states.

While flag burning is frowned upon, it is not currently illegal to destroy Old Glory. The Supreme Court ruled in the landmark 1989 case Texas v. Johnson that flag burning is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

The ruling made it unconstitutional for local, state, or the federal government to prohibit flag burning.

"Our flag is more than a cloth painted red, white, and blue. It is a symbol of worldwide freedom, unity, and liberty," Womack said. "Generations have fought to defend our stars and stripes – and the American people have simply given too much for the flag to not have the ability to protect it."

"Our United States flag is a timeless symbol of liberty that tells the story of America, the story of our enduring pursuit of freedom. Remembering the sacrifices of all who carried its colors into battle, our nation should always render the flag the honor and dignity it is due," Danies said.

What did President Trump say?

Trump said Saturday that the amendment is a "no brainer."

Trump has previously endorsed severe consequences for those guilty of desecrating the American flag. Trump, then-president-elect, said in November 2016 that consequences for flag burning should include prison time and, perhaps, the loss of citizenship.