Proposal addresses government-sponsored division
MADISON – Today, State Representatives Jerry L. O’Connor (R-Fond du Lac), Dave Murphy (R- Greenville), Rob Brooks (R- Saukville), Joy Goeben (R- Hobart), and State Senators Dan Feyen (R- Fond du Lac) and Cory Tomczyk (R- Mosinee) introduced a new bill to reduce government-sponsored division by prohibiting, with certain exceptions, any flag other than the U.S. flag, WI flag, local flags, and U.S. armed forces and POW/MIA flags from being flown or hung outside any state or local institution.
“Our citizens have called upon every Wisconsin legislator to take action against the partisan divisiveness generated within our government institutions,” said O’Connor. “The display of partisan flags is a prime example of this ‘government-sponsored division.”
“The official flags of the United States of America, the State Flag of Wisconsin, local government, emergency services, and other limited exceptions listed in this bill unite all Americans under the universal principles of justice, liberty, and democracy,” O’Connor continued.
“Government should not be in the business of choosing sides, or even giving the appearance of choosing sides,” said Sen. Feyen. “This bill simply ensures that the first impression of all government buildings and institutions is neutral, offering equal treatment to all Wisconsinites.”
The bill highlights the divisiveness of promoting or allowing the flying of flags on government property representing specific political movements or social causes, such as MAGA, Pride, Heterosexual, CSA, 2nd Amendment rights, BLM, ALL Lives Matter, Antifa, Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, and many more. The bill does not restrict citizens from flying partisan or social flags on their private property or prohibit Native American tribes from flying flags on tribal lands.
“It’s not appropriate for the State Capitol to be used for political statements,” said Rep. Murphy. “The flags that hang above the Capitol should represent all Wisconsinites, not just special interest groups.”
“Flags on government buildings are not supposed to be divisive and should not support one ideology over another,” said Sen. Tomczyk, “When the Governor uses flags flown over the State Capitol and other taxpayer-funded buildings to divide the people of Wisconsin, it is shameful and frankly, embarrassing. It is time to end this nonsense.”
“Government is supposed to be representative of everyone,” Rep. Goeben concluded. “We need to celebrate the things that unite us.”
For more information please contact the offices of:
· State Representative Jerry O’Connor at Rep.O’Connor@legis.wi.gov or (608) 237-9160
· State Representative Dave Murphy at Rep.Murphy@legis.wi.gov or (608) 237-9156
· State Representative Rob Brooks at Rep.Rob.Brooks@legis.wi.gov or (608) 237-9159
· State Representative Joy Goeben at Rep.Goeben@legis.wi.gov or (608) 237-9105
· State Senator Dan Feyen at Sen.Feyen@legis.wi.gov or (608) 266-5300
· State Senator Cory Tomczyk at Sen.Tomczyk@legis.wi.gov or (608) 266-2502.