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Gov. Deal Signs MLK Statue and Ten Commandments Monument Bills

April 30th, 2014

Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill Tuesday to place a statue of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the grounds of the Georgia Capitol. Governor Deal called the signing historic.

“It’s appropriate for us as Georgians to once again claim the legacy of our native son. He fought against prejudice and for equality, and he did so peacefully. He spoke eloquently and acted courageously.”

The governor signed the bipartisan bill at the Capitol as he stood by a number of Democratic African-American lawmakers and several members of the King family. A number of relatives of Dr. King said they are honored by the signing and the future monument.

On Monday, Martin Luther King III also told WABE he was pleased Governor Deal was signing legislation to pay tribute to his father. However, because his father preached non-violence, he’s concerned about some other legislation governor Deal has signed, particularly a bill expanding the number of places Georgians can carry guns with concealed weapons permits.

“I’m honored that the governor would certainly sign legislation that creates a memorial to dad, but I’m troubled or concerned about the new gun legislation that just passed, that was also signed, because you honor Dr. King, but it seems to me that’s an inconsistent policy, but that’s politics.”

When asked whether the statue bill for Dr. King and the gun bill were inconsistent Deal said, “I’m here celebrating in honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. That’s what the piece of legislation that we signed today and that’s why I was here for that purpose. What has become law in other signings, I don’t think has relevance to this event.”

The statue will be paid for with private funding. A site for the statue and a timeline for its construction has yet to be determined.

Deal also signed a more controversial bill to place a historic granite monument depicting the Ten Commandments, the preamble to Georgia’s constitution and part of the declaration of independence inside the state Capitol or somewhere on Capitol grounds. Critics say the bill violates the constitution and is likely to end up in court. Supporters argue it does not violate the Constitution and say the monument will be an excellent addition to Georgia’s Capitol or its grounds.

The bill signing comes after a state law that was first passed in 2006. The law allows the Ten Commandments to be included in displays in judicial buildings and courthouses along with other documents. Lawmakers expanded that in 2012 to all public buildings.

Georgia’s Capitol already has a framed display of the Ten Commandments along with a number of other documents. Funding for the monument will be raised privately.