Its opponents said the common law and existing American statutes already protected the "moral rights" of authors.

Another broadened the statutes on domestic violence to protect more victims and increase services to the children of troubled families.

He added, "The statute protects you from discrimination in a class of jobs, but it does not guarantee you a particular job."

Numerous courts have held that the 1871 statute does protect classes of citizens other than racial classes.

Because technology has changed but the law has not, this statute - meant to protect against domestic abuses - instead protects potential foreign terrorists.

Democratic leaders argued that a statute could protect the flag as well as the First Amendment.

And there're a million statutes protecting their safety.

This statute will not protect Parliament's image.

California, for example, has a statute protecting the 'right of publicity' - use of a celebrity's picture, signature and likeness.

A statute, many Democrats reasoned, could protect the flag, satisfy the public and defuse the political danger in voting against a constitutional amendment.