Payne Co-Sponsors Resolution Urging States to Remove Confederate Flag

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today joined other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in co-sponsoring a resolution to honor the nine shooting victims at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

The resolution calls for:

• Immediate removal of the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina State House;
• Discontinuing sale of Confederate battle flag merchandise by retailers;
• Removal of the symbolic and/or actual references to the Confederacy in the seven states where they remain; and
• Prohibiting use of the Confederate battle flag and its likeness on any governmental property, including license plates.

“Eradicating symbols of hatred, violence, and cruel oppression steeped in racism is a critical step to confronting prejudice in our society,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “If we are to fully realize our nation’s promise of justice and full equality, we cannot embrace symbols that have always stood for racial supremacy and bigotry.”