Alabama Senate approves bill blocking removal of old monuments, statues
The Alabama Senate approved a bill Thursday that would block attempts to change or remove statues, memorials and monuments that are over 20 years old. The bill, sponsored by Tuscaloosa Republican Sen. Gerald Allen, has been the subject of controversy since it protects monuments with ties to the Confederate States of America. “The goal of this bill is to protect all periods of Alabama’s history for our children and grandchildren to learn from,” said Allen. “Too often, in convulsions of political correctness, a local official will hastily rip down a monument or a statue because it offends the sensibilities of someone, somewhere.” Allen and other proponents of the bill argue that it preserves state history, while critics point say such monuments are offensive due to their connection to slavery. “History isn’t always pleasant and our forbearers have not always acted with honor. But healing in the present is not found by erasing the past,” he said. “Only if our past is understood and remembered may we be inspired by its examples of heroism, and yes, sobered by its episodes of oppression. This proposal prevents the hasty and thoughtless destruction of historical markers so that we and our descendants may continue to learn from the past, in order to create a better future.” Allen has sponsored similar bills the past two sessions after Gov. Robert Bentley removed Confederate flags from the state Capitol. Previous versions of the bill would protect monuments that were at least 50 years old. Allen said he has discussed the proposition with other lawmakers over the past year and that the 2017 version of his bill “reflects their input.” With the Senate’s approval, the bill now moves on to the House.
State Senate passes monuments bill despite Dem outrage
The first item on Senate’s agenda Wednesday was the hotly contested bill from Sen. Gerald Allen known as the Alabama Heritage Preservation Act, which prohibits the removal of historical monuments and lays out the process by which municipalities can petition for waivers to remove such monuments. The item came up for discussion during Tuesday’s session, but debate was cut off after Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) acknowledged that nothing would be accomplished due to a Democratic filibuster on the item. Marsh motioned for adjournment and the body commenced with discussion again as the session got underway Thursday morning. As Allen was recapping Tuesday’s activities, a cloture motion was made to cease discussion of the issue at 10:10 a.m. Immediately, Democrats began railing against the legislation and the motion for cloture. “Yet again, we’re about to let ‘Big Brother’ go in and tell municipalities what they can do,” said Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro). “Remember, you are a party of less government and I can’t believe a cloture motion has been made on something such as this.” Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) chimed in as well, noting that allowing Confederate monuments on public property gives the impression that all people should subscribe to the ideals held by those being memorialized. “This is about the legacy of slavery in many ways,” Sanders said. “The monuments they’re trying to protect are generally of people who supported slavery in one way or another. You know, slavery has long arms – it reaching all the way from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries into the present.” “There was a time in this country where African-Americans were really just kind of abused like these bills abuse people,” said Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham). “We’re opening ourselves up for some very embarrassing exposure to the nation. I don’t want our state to get that kind of black eye.” By the time the three Democrats had finished speaking, time had expired for discussion on the bill. The bill passed by a vote of 22-9 down party lines.
Committee gives favorable report to Heritage Preservation Act
In a 5-2 vote down party lines, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee gave a favorable report to SB 13, a bill from Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) that would prohibit the removal of historical monuments placed on public property. The bill would also create a committee tasked with reviewing the requests of municipalities interested in removing protected monuments. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison (D-Birmingham) voiced opposition to the bill on the grounds that, perhaps, the state should direct its edict only to state monuments, allowing local governments to act in the interest of their cities. Further, she noted the need to provide funding to municipalities to maintain such monuments. “I understand where you’re going with this bill and your intent,” Coleman-Madison said. “I agree with your intent. I don’t think we need to be about changing history or trying to cover it up. I’m not for taking those Confederate statues down, but I’m not for your bill because I do not believe this legislative body has more wisdom than the people who put [the monuments] there.” Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery) noted his agreement with most of Coleman-Madison’s comments, but added that the need for this bill has arisen out of the public’s disdain for the decision by Gov. Robert Bentley to remove the Confederate flag this year. Brewbaker said that disdain is currently manifesting itself in efforts to place a Confederate flag on a small lot near Alabama State University in Montgomery. “We’re dealing with an issue in Montgomery right now that’s not going to do anybody any good,” Brewbaker said. In response, Coleman-Madison again noted the need to provide funding for the monuments. “If we do this, the state best come up with some money to maintain them,” Coleman-Madison said. “I do think the backlash you’re going to have (will be) some vandalism of some things.” The committee then voted and gave the bill a favorable report, sending it before the Senate in the coming week.
