ATLANTA, Ga. (WTXL) — The Georgia Office of the Attorney General released a statement saying the damage, destruction, replacement or removal of monuments located on government or private property is a criminal or civil offense.
As stated in the press release, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, § 50-3-1:
"Monument" means a monument, plaque, statue, marker, flag, banner, structure name, display, or memorial constructed and located with the intent of being permanently displayed and perpetually maintained that is:
(i) Dedicated to a historical entity or historically significant military, religious, civil, civil rights, political, social, or cultural events or series of events; or
(ii) Dedicated to, honors, or recounts the military service of any past or present military personnel of this state; the United States of America or the several states thereof; or the Confederate States of America or the several states thereof.
§ 50-3-1. Description of state flag; militia to carry flag; defacing public monuments; obstruction and relocation of monuments, sections B
The AG's statement goes on to quote the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, saying violation of the order constitutes a misdemeanor and any individual found guilty is responsible for the cost to repair or replace the said monument.
On May 23, 1958, U.S. Congress passed into law, Public Law 85-425: Sec. 410, Confederate Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines are American veterans.
