Flag debate revived

last updated 8 January 2015

Atlanta

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed a statewide referendum on whether to bring back the old state flag, which prominently displays the Confederate battle-flag emblem. The NAACP threatened an economic boycott if the measure passes next year. The Rev. Charles White Jr., the NAACP’s southeast director, said the Confederate cross was a symbol of slavery and racism, and should not be the flag’s centerpiece regardless of how the majority voted. If the majority had its way, he said, “slavery would still be legal, and lynching would still be the law of the land.” The legislature dropped the old flag two years ago, but Perdue said the move left the state divided. His supporters said it was only fair to put the question to a vote. “If it loses,” one said, “I’ll shut up.”