President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing the attorney general to prosecute cases of American flag desecration, including burning, the White House said. (Reuters)
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President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Monday that directs the U.S. attorney general to prosecute those who desecrate the American flag, including by burning, according to a fact sheet from the White House.
“The American flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and desecrating it is uniquely and inherently offensive and provocative. It is a statement of contempt and hostility toward our Nation,” the fact sheet said.
The order instructs the attorney general to “vigorously prosecute” people who violate flag desecration laws and pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment regarding the issue, the fact sheet said.
In addition, the executive order directs the attorney general to refer flag desecration cases to state or local authorities. It also instructs the administration to prohibit and terminate visas, residence permits and naturalization proceedings for those who desecrate the flag.
(Reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Andrea Ricci)