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The Missouri House began debating legislation Thursday that would establish the Missouri State Park Board, a body that would decide if Confederate flags should fly over the graves of Confederate soldiers. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
Supporters of the bill say an eight member board, not the governor and his administration should have the power to oversee historic monuments in the state.
That would give the Missouri State Park Board the authority to decide if Confederate flags can fly in cemeteries where Confederate soldiers are buried.
Confederate flags were removed from state parks two years ago at the request of then-Governor Bob Holden.
The bill sponsor is Republican Representative Michael McGhee.
Opposition to the proposal came from both African-American and Caucasian lawmakers.
Democratic Representative Rick Johnson.
While lawmakers did not vote on the actual bill, they did vote on an amendment that would've banned Confederate flags from historic grounds.
The amendment failed to gain support from the House.
Democratic Representative Rodney Hubbard says that sends a message.
But supporters of flying Confederate flags in Confederate cemeteries say they're not supporting racism.
Republican Representative Jim Avery says it's about honoring soldiers.
The House Majority Floor Leader laid the bill over without letting it come to a vote.
