(WW) A Michigan lawmaker has introduced a bill to ban the Confederate flag from display or use on the Capitol grounds or in the state Capitol Building:
Sen. Sylvia Santana, a Democrat from Detroit, say the what the flag represents runs counter to Michigan values.
“The Confederate battle flag is viewed by many — regardless of gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation — as a symbol of hate and racism," Santana said, in a statement.
"It represents a tragic time in American history that led millions of Americans to fight and die against the oppression of slavery. Some claim it is a symbol of southern pride, however, Michigan’s role as a stalwart member of the Union during the Civil War should preclude those in Michigan claiming southern pride. As such, the display of the Confederate flag is an insult to the nearly 15,000 Michiganders who gave their lives to preserve the Union. This building and our Capitol grounds represent the values, morals, and conscious of Michiganders.
"There simply isn’t a need to allow such a divisive symbol to be used as a prop to knowingly, and purposefully, provoke anger and intimidation where we as legislators are all working together toward the common good for all Michiganders.”
The bill, Santana said, is in response to recent events at the Capitol that have highlighted the use and display of the Confederate flag, at protests and in the Senate chamber.
This comes after Sen. Dale Zorn, a Republican representing Ida Township, Michigan, raised some eyebrows when he wore a face mask that resembled the Confederate flag during a vote earlier this week.
Zorn said his wife made the mask, and issued an apology on Twitter.
"I’m sorry for my choice of pattern on the face mask I wore yesterday on the Senate floor. I did not intend to offend anyone; however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry," Zorn said. "Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents." He added: "My actions were an error in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode."