Kyle files Tennessee Senate bill to do away with 'divisive' Confederate flag license plates

Sara Kyle speaks to attorneys during a hearing at the Hamilton County Courthouse in this file photo.
Sara Kyle speaks to attorneys during a hearing at the Hamilton County Courthouse in this file photo.

NASHVILLE -- State Sen. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis, says she has filed legislation to block the state from issuing specialty license plates that include the Confederate flag.

"Anytime we protect divisive symbols of the past, we empower those who support hate," Kyle said in a statement. "The Confederate flag has no place on state-issued license plates or in any other public government space."

photo Rep. Jason Powell, D-Nashville

A Confederate flag is featured in state vanity tags issued by the state under the name of the Sons of Confederate Veterans group.

According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, there are currently 2,057 registered SCV specialty plates.

Rep. Jason Powell, D-Nashville, is sponsoring the House version. The two lawmakers will press the bill in the legislative session starting in January.

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