The emblem of the Confederation is considered by many to be a racist symbol. The appropriateness of its use has been exacerbated by the recent debate the death of African-American George Floyd during his arrest by white police. Statues and other mementos referring to the Southern Alliance, which fought in the American Civil War to preserve slavery, are being removed throughout the States.
The proposal to begin the process of changing the flag was approved by the State Congress by a two-thirds majority. Now the bill on change can be officially submitted, “only” an absolute majority is enough for its approval.
Governor: The division of society must end
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“The 1894 flag debate divides society as much as the flag itself, it needs to end,” Republican Governor Tate Reeves said on Twitter. He promised to sign the bill.
He added that he did not consider the dispute between supporters and opponents of the Confederate symbols to be settled by changing the flag. According to him, the effort to unite the state is also important.
Once the bill passes, the commission will begin to choose a new look for the Mississippi flag. It should be voted on in November.
