Miller gave up his effort in the face of intense House opposition. The chamber represents more than 3,300 businesses across Georgia. On Tuesday, the directors of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce approved a carefully worded statement supporting a change in the flag. The Confederate battle emblem was added to the state flag in 1956 as white Southerners resisted school desegregation efforts. Defenders say the emblem pays tribute to Southern heritage.
Opponents contend it is a reminder of the state's racist past.
Bills are pending in the House and Senate to revert to the pre-1956 flag. Another measure introduced this week as the session opened would create a special advisory committee to hold hearings and make recommendations to the Legislature. send this story to a friend discuss this story email the editor opyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc.