Alabama Lawmakers debate constitution changes to Remove Racist Language

"It will never pass the Alabama Legislature." That was the message the Legislative Black Caucus sent last month when it announced it would filibuster any attempt to pass a reworked version of Amendment Two that wasn't "exactly as it was on the Nov. 2 ballot." Since then, though, black lawmakers' rhetoric has taken on a more diplomatic tone, and the anticipated showdown in the Alabama Legislature over the removal of racist language from the state's 1901 constitution could disappear in a quiet compromise. Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, who announced the Legislative Black Caucus' filibuster plans last month, now is saying he could support a compromise that does not alter the intent of Amendment Two as originally proposed. "I think we can pass a bill that would be acceptable," Holmes said in a recent interview. "I think we can put the right amendment on it that would make it acceptable to everybody." Democrats, who control the Alabama House, rolled out their 2005 legislative agenda last week, and it included a "Civil Rights Language Revision Amendment." In addition to removing blatantly discriminatory language inserted into the state constitution nearly 50 years ago, the proposal seeks to quell any fears that plucking out the racist provisions might lead to court-ordered tax increases for schools. [more]

• Pictured above: Protest in Detroit 1944. Pallbearers with casket walking in front of sign reading "here lies Jim Crow" during the NAACP Detroit branch "Parade for Victory." [more]

• House asks Alabama Supreme Court for opinion on Amendment Two [more]
• Republicans in the Alabama Legislature say Democrats are trying to steal key items in their agenda, particularly a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages. [more]