HELENA -- The United Nations flag is still welcome in Montana -- at least for the time being.

The Montana House stalled Thursday over a plan to ban the U.N. flag on state property, and to limit the authority international courts have over Montana citizens.

"We need to stand up and proclaim our state sovereignty," said Rick Jore of Ronan, the state's lone Constitutional Party lawmaker and sponsor of the bill.

One legislator, objecting to the idea of Montana meddling in international treaties, called the proposal "silly." It stalled on a 50-50 vote, but could later be resurrected.

Jore is pushing a plan that would, in part, "reject any claim that the United Nations charter has any lawful or constitutional authority in, or over, this state."

He said the U.N. charter was not ratified by the states, and has no authority over Montana residents. The U.N. flag should not be allowed to fly over state property for any reason, and no state money should be used to support U.N. programs, Jore argued.

Most importantly, he said, his proposal states that any judgment or decree from an international court working with the U.N. is not enforceable in Montana. State residents would also not be subject to warrants or extradition to such courts under the bill.

Critics said the United States enters into international treaties for a number of reasons, and argued those treaties carry the weight of law. Montana has no business trying to subvert them, opponents said.

"Frankly, it's silly," said Rep. Franke Wilmer, D-Bozeman.

American Indian lawmaker Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Rocky Boy, lectured Republicans supporting the bill about treaties -- saying the United States government had broken a fair number of those it had with tribes.

"My people are the ones that should be crying wolf here," he said.

Supporters said the language is needed in the event international courts try Americans for conduct in wars overseas. They also said it would send a clear statement that Montanans reject the notion of giving up their rights to foreign governments.

"I think this bill may be very timely, because right now we are looking at a movement to internationalize this nation," said Rep. Ed Butcher, R-Winifred. "I would much rather err on individual protection."

At the minimum, supporters said, it would give Montanans a legal argument to make if they are ever subpoenaed by an international court.

"This is patriotic and this is what America is all about," said House Majority Leader Michael Lange, R-Billings.

The bill is House Bill 712.