New Bill Would Prohibit Statue, Monument Removal
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Calls to remove confederate statues and monuments from public property are growing across the country. But one Alabama senator is introducing legislation that would make it illegal to do that in our state.
The confederate flags are down but could the monuments and statues be next?
As states across the country move to get rid of confederate symbols, state senator Gerald Allen is trying to make sure that doesn’t happen here.
It’s called the Alabama Heritage Protection Act. The bill would prohibit the relocation or removal of any statue or monument on public property that’s been erected in honor of a historical event.
“It’s a simple bill. It’s to preserve history.”
State Senator Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa introduced Senate Bill 12, saying it protects more than just confederate history.
“Even the Civil Rights Movement, all the history there.”
“I’m astounded that an elected official would make a proposal that would allow hateful, confederate monuments to stand and all under the guise of part of our history,” said John Gainey of Students Unite. an organization that brands itself as promoting equality and restoring justice.
“I don’t know why there would be any extra efforts made to preserve these confederate memorials because we can see that part of what they do is help perpetuate confederate mindsets.”
Those touring the Alabama capital, where statues of confederate soldiers are erected, have mixed feelings about the bill.
“There’s many statues in Britain of people I don’t agree with,” said Richard Butler. “Should they be taken down? I’m not sure. They’re part of their history. “
“Anything that incites hatred or toward romanticizing the past, maybe we need to take a break from that right now while we figure out how to struggle still lives on today,” said Edith Jaffe.
“This great country has some great heritage and every single person regardless of who they may be have played a role in this country of ours,” Allen said.
Senate Bill 12 was read for the first time Monday and referred to a committee.
Senator Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery is also one of the bill’s sponsors.
