The third time’s the charm for state Senator Randy Fine (R) as he attempts to revive a twice defeated effort to ban “politically partisan” flags. The ban would extend to flags such as the Black Lives Matter flag, the LGBTQ+ flag, and Senator Fine is also including the “fictional Palestinian” flag. Some Republicans could back the ban before Senator Fine leaves off, but Florida Democrats are rallying against the flag banning effort.
SB 100, the bill in question, would ban government buildings, including colleges and public schools, from displaying flags that represent a “political viewpoint.” The bill however does not infringe or impede on private citizens displaying the flags of their choice on their private properties.
Senator Fine previously co-sponsored the bill in the 2024 Session during his time in the State House, but the focus was on Black Lives Matter flags and LGBTQ+ flags. In reference to what he calls the “fictional Palestinian” flag, Senator Fine argues that “supporters of Muslin terror, child mutilators, and groomers have no right to taxpayer sponsorship of their repugnant message.”
As expected, Democrats are speaking out against the flag banning effort, but Republicans are also sharing their doubt over the bill’s lifespan.
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) slammed the effort, commenting, “I am exhausted from having to respond to these ridiculous bills Republicans like Randy Fine keep filing instead of solving the real problems Floridians are facing.”
Senator Smith instead believes that lawmakers should shift their focus to lowering costs, tackling the property insurance problem and the condominium crisis, the teacher shortage, public transit and environmental issues.
State Senator Kathleen Passidomo (R) also weighed in on the bill, suggesting that Senator Fine’s effort might not be successful. During a recent podcast appearance, Senator Passidomo commented that she doesn’t see how he’s going to get a bill through both the House and Senate before he steps down from office.
“I don’t see how he’s going to get a bill through both the House and Senate before he steps down," stated Senator Kathleen Passidomo in a podcast interview with Dara Kam.
SHOTS FIRED!— @Kathleen4SWFL questions how @VoteRandyFin ‘s flag bill will survive the 2025 legislative session
“I don’t see how he’s going to get a bill through both the House and Senate before he steps down.”— Senator Kathleen Passidomohttps://t.co/rjEFTAAL7N #flpol
— Javier Manjarres (@JavManjarres) December 16, 2024
