Frank Torres
Orlando State Sen. Geraldine Thompson filed legislation Wednesday that would prohibit the display of Confederate flags at government buildings.
Senate Bill 154 reads, in part: “The display of the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America or any flag or emblem used by the Confederate States of America or its military or naval forces at any time within the years 1860 to 1865 on any building, structure, real property, or personal property owned or leased by the state, a county, a municipality, or other governmental unit of this state is prohibited.”
The legislation also allows the court to grant an injunction, and award “reasonable” attorney fees to the prevailing party.
Thompson’s bill comes as controversy surrounding the Confederate flag reaches its peak.
Earlier this year, 21-year-old Dylann Roof entered a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina and shot nine people. After the shooting, photos emerged with Roof holding a Confederate flag. Outrage over the killings forced the removal of the flag from the South Carolina State Capitol.
Since then, several major retailers such as Wal-Mart stopped selling the flag, and sports organizations such as NASCAR have stopped featuring the Confederate flag at events.
Last session, Florida legislators passed a bill requiring government entities to buy only American flags made in the United States. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.
