Minnesota Introduces Bill on State Flag Compliance
The Minnesota House of Representatives has put forward a bill aimed at penalizing cities and counties that choose not to display the new state flag design. This legislation, advanced by members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) on Monday, proposes to reduce state funding for those municipalities that do not adhere to the flag design laid out by the State Seal Redesign Commission.
If the bill gains approval, it would take effect in 2027.
Recently, Minnesota updated its flag to a design that seeks to eliminate racially insensitive imagery. This follows in the footsteps of states like Utah, Mississippi, Michigan, and Illinois, which have also redesigned their flags.
It’s worth noting that several communities, including Inver Grove Heights, Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota, and Plainview, have recently opted to revert to the original flag adopted in 1893. On the very day this bill was introduced, those cities voted to fly the old flag on their buildings, highlighting a pushback against the new design.
The redesign of the state flag received an 11-1 approval from the State Seal Redesign Commission. Critics have argued that the old flag’s imagery was derogatory towards Native Americans, depicting them in a manner that suggests defeat and dispossession.
The new flag features an eight-pointed star against a navy blue backdrop, symbolizing Minnesota itself, alongside light blue fields representing the state’s waters. The commission plans to formally adopt this new design in 2024, though it hasn’t been without its critics. Some have claimed that it bears too much resemblance to the Somali flag.
Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth has voiced her concerns, calling the bill “dysfunctional on arrival” and suggesting it is unlikely to progress in the Senate. She emphasized the importance of focusing on more pressing issues, stating, “It’s outrageous that Democrats are trying to take funding away from police, fire, and cities. We have real work to do that can help Minnesotans.”
