"At least they're being honest, " says McConnell, who voted against an amendment to ban flag burning.

CNN: AllPolitics - TIME This Week

Ulster Unionist Jim Wilson tabled an amendment calling for the union flag to be flown on 17 March.

BBC: Call for St Patrick's Day holiday

In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest is protected by the First Amendment.

CNN: Friday,

The bill that would have set the wheels in motion toward creation of a constitutional amendment failed Wednesday afternoon by a vote of 63-37, despite arguments by proponents that the flag is a unique symbol of American sovereignty and pride which should not be destroyed.

CNN: Flag desecration amendment fails in Senate