Sen. Fasano Urges Resignation of Republican State Central Committee Member

Hartford – Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement today in response to Republican State Central Committee Member Scott Veley’s flying of the Confederate flag and comments made by Mr. Veley on social media.

“One hundred-fifty years after the end of the Civil War, the confederate flag still represents slavery, still represents the bloody war fought in defense of slavery, still represents prejudice and oppression. Mr. Veley has a constitutional right to freedom of speech, and he displays the Confederate flag on private property, but that flag is a reflection of bigotry, divisiveness and hate. It is not representative of the values of the Republican Party or of Connecticut Republicans. As a Republican legislative leader, I feel that Mr. Veley’s actions are a distraction from the policy initiatives of Republicans in our state and our efforts to advance legislation that moves our state forward and rejects intolerance and prejudice. Mr. Veley is a member of the Republican State Central Committee. This action by someone in Mr. Veley’s position is unacceptable. I join with others in condemning in the strongest of terms the display of the Confederate flag. I also strongly urge Mr. Veley to resign from his position with the state party.”