[JURIST] The US House of Representatives Wedneday afternoon approved a proposed constitutional amendment [text] that would make it a crime to desecrate the American flag by a vote of 286-130 [roll call], eight more votes then necessary for the two-thirds required. The measure will now go to the Senate, where many believe it has a strong chance of passing, and then must be ratified by 38 states within seven years to take effect. The proposed amendment is opposed by the ACLU [press release] and other rights groups who feel it infringes on First Amendment rights. Other groups like the Citizens Flag Alliance [advocacy website] argue that the majority of the public wants flag protection and have praised the House vote [press release]. AP has more.