House panel advances bill protecting historic monuments despite concern over Confederate statues

A bill that would protect historic monuments and memorials in Florida from being removed got approval from the House Judiciary Committee.

The “Historic Florida Monuments and Memorials Protection Act” (HB 455) drew sharp debate by Democratic Committee members, as many said the measure was designed to protect monuments that intimidate minorities in Florida.

The bill’s sponsor, Jacksonville Republican Rep. Dean Black, said his intent is the opposite.

“If we don’t protect everyone’s history, then no one’s history is safe,” Black said.

The measure would put military monuments or memorials in place for at least 25 years under the protection of the Florida Department of State, in order to protect “accurate and factual history.”

“It is the intent of the Legislature to declare void all ordinances, regulations, and executive actions regarding the removal, damage, or destruction of historic Florida monuments or memorials which have been enacted by any local government,” the bill states.

The measure is similar to previous bills that did not get ultimate approval by the Legislature.

But the measure drew criticism from some Committee members who felt it was glorifying soldiers and supporters of the Confederacy.

“Confederate monuments honor people who led an insurrection against America,” said Rep. Bruce Antone, an Orlando Democrat. “It bothers me that we honor these people.”

Black argued that the dispute over Confederate monuments is settled.

“That storm has already blown over,” he said, noting that he’s concerned more about monuments to historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and Andrew Jackson, among others.

But Rep. Mike Gottlieb, a Davie Democrat, said his issue is state intrusion on local control.

“It’s a centralized authoritarian power grab that denies home rule,” Gottlieb said.

The Committee voted 14-5 in favor of the bill, which next moves to the House State Affairs Committee for consideration.

A similar bill in the Senate (SB 496) sponsored by Sen. Stan McLain, an Ocala Republican, is set to be reviewed by three panels in that chamber including the Governmental Oversight and Accountability, Community Affairs, and Rules Committees.