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Illinois Could Create "Abolition of Confederate Symbols Act"

Flickr/user: fauxto_digit
A confederate flag flies under a U.S.A. flag

A measure has been introduced in Illinois as a response to the deadly summer rally of white nationalists in Charlottesville.

La Shawn Ford, a House Democrat from Chicago, is the sponsor of what is called the "Abolition of Confederate Symbols Act." He says no monument or image honoring the Confederate States should be on public property, "The confederacy is something that we had during the time when the country was divided and we arrived with one flag - one that represents everyone."

Ford says individuals could still choose to display the confederate flag or a symbol on private property without consequence - but he thinks it's important for government to set an example. Museums would also be exempt. The state's historic preservation agency says currently there are no Confederate monuments on public property in the state.

Ford says the U.S. flag should be what people use to show pride in their heritage, "If you're not treated fairly you have that flag, the American flag to stand on - to say that this country represents justice for all." The measure has yet to come up for debate.

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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