Senate Passes Bill Against Flag Abuse

WASHINGTON —  The Senate, responding to a controversial art exhibit in Chicago that includes an American flag placed on the floor, passed a bill Thursday that would make such use of the flag a federal crime.

The bill, passed 97 to 0, was sent to the House.

The show that includes the flag is at the School of the Art Institute. Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to step on the flag and sign a log book on a shelf above it. Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.), who introduced the bill along with Sen. Alan J. Dixon (D-Ill.), said: “I don’t know much about art, but I do (know) desecration of the flag when I see it.”