General Assembly moves forward with slew of bills addressing Confederacy

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For many, Virginia’s history can be painful, and that’s why some Virginia Democrats say they’re doing their part to make sure the state isn’t glorifying the Confederacy.

“It shows a lot of African Americans that Virginia hasn’t moved forward. Virginia hasn’t taken those steps,” said Delegate Alex Askew, referring to certain laws still on the books and Confederate statues, as well as license plates still present in Virginia. 

The Senate has passed a bill to remove three Confederate statures in Capitol Square, including one of Stonewall Jackson. 

Meanwhile, the House has passed a bill to remove tax exemptions from certain Confederate organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). 

Askew, who wrote the bill, said it’s about ensuring those who glorify Virginia’s controversial past aren’t getting special privileges. 

“We have the opportunity to remove the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and other organizations that have celebrated the Confederacy for far too long and celebrated massive resistance for far too long,” Askew told 8News.

However, in a statement opposing the bill, United Daughters of the Confederacy, UDC’s President General Julie N. Hardaway said in part, “To punish descendants of those veterans who responded to the call of your legislature in 1861 to defend their state reeks of discrimination, based on misguided and biased opinions of our great philanthropic organization.”

Meanwhile, a House committee also green-lit a bill to stop the state from using license plates honoring Robert E. Lee and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. 

Askew told 8News Confederate symbols hurt African Americans. 

“Every time I go down 64, I see a massive Confederate flag,” said Askew. “It reminds me of my ancestors, you know, being enslaved.”

However, Edward Willis, who testified against the bill at a recent hearing, saw it differently. 

“License plates are harmful to no one. Only hatred and deliberate discrimination by the Commonwealth of Virginia would cause this committee to vote to remove them,” Willis said. 

The Senate also unanimously approved a bill to remove a controversial song as Virginia’s official song emeritus.