An Arkansas House committee has rejected another attempt 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 turned down the proposal on a voice vote Wednesday.
The bill by Democratic Rep. Fredrick Love of Little Rock would remove Lee from the existing holiday and create a separate memorial day for Lee.
Arkansas is one of three states to celebrate both men on the same day.
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 said after the vote he hopes lawmakers will try again next session to separate the celebrations.
