MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Martinson, Akins, Barnett, Beckett, Bounds, Carlton, Davis, Denny, Formby, Gregory, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Ishee, Jennings, Markham, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, Moore, Parker, Reeves, Rogers (61st), Simpson, Smith (59th), Snowden, Stevens, Upshaw, Weathersby, Woods, Zuber
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE LEGISLATURE THAT ANY PERSON OR GROUP THAT WISHES TO DISPLAY ON SIGNS, GOODS OR CLOTHING THE NAME OR IMAGE OF ANY MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES WHO WAS KILLED WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY SHALL FIRST OBTAIN THE WRITTEN CONSENT FOR THAT DISPLAY FROM THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED.
WHEREAS, since the war in Iraq began more than three years ago, it has become more controversial among certain groups of Americans and citizens of other countries; and
WHEREAS, as the death toll in Iraq continues to rise, there have been increasing numbers of demonstrations and protests opposing America's presence and role in the war; and
WHEREAS, the anti-war protesters in a number of these demonstrations have used the names or images of American soldiers who have been killed in action as examples to bolster their opposition to the war; and
WHEREAS, the families of many of the deceased soldiers are not happy about the names or images of their loved ones being used to promote a political cause with which the families may not agree; and
WHEREAS, it is most reasonable to expect that persons who advocate against the Iraq war or other armed conflict should first obtain the permission of the families of the deceased soldiers before using their names or images for the anti-war protesters' political goals, out of respect for the soldiers and their families:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That it is the intent of the Legislature that any person or group that wishes to display on signs, goods or clothing the name or image of any member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed while on active duty shall first obtain the written consent for that display from the surviving spouse of the deceased or, if there is no surviving spouse, from a parent or other immediate family member of the deceased of the age of majority.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to members of the Capitol Press Corps.