The battle over historical monuments is coming back to the Texas Legislature next year. At least two state lawmakers are planning to file bills to prevent historical items from being removed without specific protocols. State Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R-Fredericksburg) says he'll file legislation in the House, while Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) plans to file companion legislation in the Senate. Creighton previously filed a monument protection bill in 2019, but it stalled in the House after passing the Senate.
Biedermann tells KTRH the situation surrounding historical monuments has gotten out of hand. "In this last year, they're going after Christopher Columbus, they're going after the founding fathers, they're going after religious statues, they don't care," he says.
While some Texans are even arming up themselves to protect monuments from vandalism or removal, Biedermann's legislation would require a review process and public vote before any historical item could be removed. "Right now, we have a very small group of people---activists usually---convincing a mayor or city council, who then act against the will of the people," he says. "That's wrong, and that's what this legislation is for."
"If somebody feels offended by a monument or plaque, they can see how many other people are offended, then have a process for the local government or the state to then have a vote," says Biedermann.
Biedermann emphasizes his bill is not about the specific content of the monuments or statues, but about having a uniform method of addressing any opposition to historical pieces. "It's not even saying you can't ever remove something, but you just need to have a process to do it properly, and let the people in that local area make the decision," he says. "It should be the public making the decision, not just a few people in government."