ATLANTA - State officials are releasing a new specialty license plate featuring the Confederate battle flag, a move that is infuriating civil rights advocates and renewing a fiery debate.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Georgia's new specialty tag has fueled a clash between those who believe the battle flag honors Confederate heritage and others who view it as a racially charged symbol of oppression.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference spokesman Maynard Eaton said the state should not have sanctioned the battle emblem to appear on a Georgia tag. He said that displaying it is "reprehensible."
The Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans said it meant no offense, and that people have a right to commemorate their heritage.
Gov. Nathan Deal said the new tag was a surprise to him.