Carpino, Area Legislators Hail Legislation Criminalizing False Claims of Military Valor

HARTFORD –With the proliferation of people falsely representing themselves as having a military medal or decoration, or wearing a uniform of one of the armed forces that they are not authorized to wear in an attempt to falsely obtain money or gain property, goods or services, State Reps. Pamela Sawyer (55), Christie Carpino (32) and Melissa Ziobron (34) all voted to criminalize making such a dishonest claim.

Under this bill, HB-5293, An Act Concerning Military Valor, those who would openly disrespect the sacrifice of those who serve our country for self-enrichment would receive appropriate penalties for assuming the awards, decorations, and uniforms we reserve for the highest form of patriotic service performed by members of the military who defend our nation and our freedom.

“It is time to stand up for the valor of our brave men and women in uniform who so honorably and honestly serve their country. A just penalty for those who disrespect and  dishonestly use a uniform for ill-gotten gain has now been brought to the forefront with this bill,” said Rep. Sawyer.

Ziobron said, ” I agree with the sentiments of my colleagues. In my district where we honor all of our hometown heroes with special Yellow Ribbon ceremonies, it is disgraceful to think that someone would falsify their background for special treatment or recognition.”

Carpino, who co-sponsored the proposal said, “These are despicable acts committed by loathsome people who should pay a very severe penalty — and a very public price — for daring to steal the valor of those too few who survived and of the great many who did not.”

In Connecticut, there are currently several opportunities meant for legitimate veterans such as those for veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veterans which should be protected and preserved for those they are intended to help.

The bill stems from the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Alvarez which stated that the federal military medal misrepresentation statute was unconstitutional because it violated a person’s First Amendment right to free speech.  The plurality opinion stated there is no general First Amendment exception for false statements, but acknowledged there are many laws punishing or criminalizing false statements that cause definite and identifiable harm through fraud.

HB 5293, An Act Concerning Military Valor now heads to the State Senate for final legislative action.