The state flag of Mississippi was banned from a ceremony in New Jersey because it contains a symbol of the Confederacy, NJ.com reported Friday.
Gov. Phil Murphy ordered that the Mississippi flag, which contains the Confederate battle emblem, be omitted from the annual spring ceremony at Liberty State Park, which overlooks the Statue of Liberty.
“The Confederate symbol displayed on the Mississippi State flag is reprehensible and does not reflect our values of inclusivity and equality,” Murphy said in a statement.
The United States flag flew in Mississippi's place, NJ. com reported.
"The Confederate flag symbolizes an era of hate, violence, and division," State Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, told NJ.com. "I thank Gov. Murphy for his commitment to tolerance and equality and for the decision to remove this hateful symbol from Liberty State Park. Hate has no home in New Jersey."
Mississippians decided in a statewide election in 2001 to keep its flag.
In a statement Friday, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said,“I’m disappointed in Gov. Murphy’s actions. As I have repeatedly said, the voters of Mississippi should decide what the state flag is or is not.”
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