AUGUSTA — A proposal to trade the Columbus Day holiday for a tribute to Native Americans has received initial approval in the Maine House.
The House voted 88-51 Wednesday in support of the bill, which faces further votes.
Democratic Rep. Benjamin Collings of Portland sponsored the bill renaming the state holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October to Indigenous Peoples Day.
At least five states have done away with celebrating explorer Christopher Columbus in deference to Native Americans, though the federal Columbus holiday remains.
Republican Rep. MaryAnne Kinney previously said some critics are concerned “eliminating” history could lead to repeating it.
But Rep. Rena Newell, who represents Passamaquoddy tribe, said the bill would correct “long-standing history.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Politics
In inaugural address, Biden will appeal to national unity
-
Nation & World
D.C. officials try to strike balance between First Amendment, securing inauguration
-
Nation & World
Israel OKs hundreds of settlement homes in last-minute push
-
Nation & World
Kamala Harris to be sworn in by Sotomayor at inauguration
-
Politics
Democrats build impeachment case, alleging ‘dangerous crime’
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.