Democrats Renew Battle In Legislature To Remove Confederate Symbols

[#TexasPolitics365]

Two state lawmakers are trying to do away with the holiday honoring Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and remove Confederate statues from State Capitol, reports Spectrum News 1.

The Confederate icon's official state holiday fell on the day after one honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, the state's "Confederate Heroes Day" celebrates Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and other Confederate soldiers.

While previous attempts to end the holiday and remove statues honoring the Confederates from state Capitol ground have fallen short, backers of the new legislation feel there is new momentum in the wake of the deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol where one rioter was seen carrying a Confederate flag.

State Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) filed one of two bills to abolish the holiday this legislative session and introduced it in years past.

“The Confederate flag was carried into the United States Capitol, as it was stormed by domestic terrorists. While the Civil War abolished slavery, the Confederate culture based upon white supremacy has persisted,” he said 

Another Democrat, Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) filed a second bill.

"It's just mind-blowing to me that we have the gall to call them heroes. It really defies logic,” he said.

--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? email: texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.