Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke is calling for the removal of a controversial Confederate plaque that hangs in the Texas state capital. The plaque features the Children of the Confederacy's creed, which says:
Because we desire to perpetuate, in love and honor, the heroic death of those who enlisted in the Confederate Services, and upheld its flag through four years of war, we, the children of the South, have united in an Organization called the "Children of the Confederacy," in which our strength, enthusiasm and love of justice can exert its influence. We, therefore pledge ourselves to preserve ideals; to honor the memory of our beloved Veterans; to study and teach the truths of history (one of the most important of which is, that the War Between the States was not a rebellion, nor was its underlying cause to sustain slavery) and always to act in a manner that will reflect honor upon our noble and patriot ancestors.
Lawmakers in Texas have continually debated whether or not the plaque should stay up. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the state legislature, the State Preservation Board, the Texas Historical Commission or the Capitol curator all have the authority to remove the plaque, Dallas News reported.
Now, Rep. Eric Johnson and Beto O'Rourke are pushing for the plaque to come down.
"The curator of the Capitol can remove that plaque today, period, full stop," Johnson said. "I am going to reiterate to her and to the State Preservation Board's leadership that I have a pending change request form, duly submitted, timely submitted, correctly submitted, that needs action.
Part of the reason Johnson has a strong issue with the plaque: his office isn't too far from its display.
When Johnson met with Gov. Greg Abbott (R) over the issue, the two failed to come to a compromise.
"Because the plaque was put in place by an act of the Texas Legislature, it would seem appropriate that lawmakers play a role in determining its future," the governor's spokesman said in May.
Both Johnson and O'Rourke took to Twitter to share their desire for the plaques removal:
The AG has spoken. The Capitol curator can unilaterally remove the plaque. No need to politicize this issue or bog down the 86th #TxLege. Remove it and let’s move on. https://t.co/b0vHtnDIx5
— Eric Johnson (@JohnsonForTexas) November 26, 2018
I’m with Eric on this one. Take it down today. https://t.co/mydRh1N6zP
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) November 27, 2018
According to Dallas News, the Creed's plaque was approved in 1959.