New York Band Display Of Confederate Flag And Other Hate Symbols On State Grounds
Earlier this week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that prohibits the sale or display of hate symbols on state-owned public property or events, such as state fairs.
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The new law, which went into effect immediately, specifically defines the term “symbol of hate” to be “symbols of white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology or the Battle Flag of the Confederacy.” The bill states that it “would limit the display of the Confederate flag, as well as other symbols of hate, on or within the grounds of public property, including fairgrounds. Further, it makes clear that New York State will not tolerate racism, exclusion, oppression, and violence through the display of such antagonistic and deeply hurtful symbols.”
While speaking about his latest move, Cuomo explained that “this country faces a pervasive, growing attitude of intolerance and hate — what I have referred to in the body politic as an American cancer.” He added, “by limiting the display and sale of the Confederate flag, Nazi swastika and other symbols of hatred from being displayed or sold on state property, including the state fairgrounds, this bill will help safeguard New Yorkers from the fear-instilling effects of these abhorrent symbols.”
According to CBS, exceptions are made for images used in books, museum services, or materials used for educational or historical purposes.