Author of “Stolen Valor,” the blueprint of the Stolen Valor Act.
The Affordable Health Care Act wasn’t the only decision that the Supreme Court passed yesterday. By a 6-3 vote, the 2005 Federal Stolen Valor Act was struck down. The Act, which made it a crime to lie about having served in the military, was declared invalid under the First Amendment.
Xavier Alvarez has lied about playing for the Detroit Red Wings, being secretly married to a Mexican actress, getting wounded multiple times during combat as a Marine, and receiving the Medal of Honor. For many, this list of tall tales may seem laughable. However, under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, his lies about his military record could land him in jail for a year. On Wednesday the Supreme Court is set to hear his case and determine whether or not Americans should be imprisoned for things they say rather than actions they commit.