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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 15, 2020 12:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano and Sen. David J. Arnold, Jr., Sen. David G. Argall, Sen. Judy Ward |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Monument Protection Legislation |
| In no society, should the vandalism of historic monuments, memorials, markers and statues become acceptable. Unfortunately, this type of behavior is occurring across our country, without effective state-level legislation being in place to discourage such actions. As a result, we intend on introducing a bill that will defend the heritage and history of Pennsylvania, by combatting the desecration of historic monuments. Our measure will mirror recent efforts taken by the federal government, and establish procedures to prohibit the relocation, removal, alteration or other disturbance of monuments located on public property. The legislation will withhold state support from municipalities and local governments – including grant funding – that officially refuse to uphold federal, state and local laws protecting public monuments, memorials and statues from destruction or vandalism. Additionally, our legislation will mandate that the State Attorney General prioritize the prosecution of any matters related to the vandalism of monuments in Pennsylvania, within the state’s jurisdiction. A recent executive order by the White House appropriately dictates that “individuals and organizations have the right to peacefully advocate for either the removal or the construction of any monument. But no individual or group has the right to damage, deface or remove any monument by the use of force.” Additionally, our legislation will strengthen existing penalties and add new deterrents to prevent this behavior from occurring in Pennsylvania. It is our hope that this legislation halts further threats to our historical landscape and statewide treasures. After all, those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We hope you will join us in co-sponsoring this legislation. Please contact Doug Zubeck in Senator Mastriano’s office with any questions. |
Introduced as SB1321