California passes ban on Confederate flag

Starting next year, the Confederate flag will no longer be available for sale or on display at government agencies in California. Governor Jerry Brown has signed a new law that prohibits selling or displaying items that have the flag on it.

The law was introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Isadore Hall of Compton after his mom saw a replica Confederate at the Capitol gift shop. As a person of color, Hall says the state should avoid promoting symbols of racism. The gift shop no longer displays or sells the item.

Since it applies only to formal actions of government officials, lawmakers say the new law doesn’t violate free speech. More than this, it still allowed for the flag to be displayed for educational purposes, like in museums or books.

Taking effect in January, the law also does not apply to people who protest or enter state property.