An Arkansas House committee meeting was called off in the middle of debate over whether to end the state's joint celebration of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee abruptly adjourned Friday because only eight of the 11 members needed for a quorum were present.
The bill by Democratic Rep. Fredrick Love of Little Rock would remove Lee from the existing holiday and instead create a memorial day for Lee on the second Friday in January.
A similar bill by a different lawmaker failed twice to advance out of committee after an outpouring of public comment from people who said the separation belittles southern heritage.
Love says he will present the bill again on Monday.
EARLIER REPORT:
An Arkansas House panel is scheduled to consider a second attempt to end the state's joint celebration of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
The bill by Democratic Rep. Fredrick Love of Little Rock is set for a special hearing Friday morning. It would remove Lee from the existing holiday and instead create a memorial day for him on the second Friday in January. Love says the compromise will honor both men.
A similar bill by a different lawmaker failed repeatedly to advance out of committee after an outpouring of public comment from people who said the separation belittles southern heritage.
