Proposal to put Clarence Thomas statue at state Capitol clears first hurdle on party line vote

ATLANTA – The state Senate Tuesday approved a proposal to place a statue of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on the grounds of the state Capitol.  

The bill is sponsored by Republican Sen. Ben Watson who represents the part of the Savannah area, Pin Point, where Thomas is from.  

“Clarence Thomas … has lived a life marked by tremendous achievement,” Watson said. “[He] deserves a place of honor and recognition on Capitol grounds, a place where future generations of Georgians can … gain inspiration and belief that their lofty dreams are attainable, too, in America, regardless of the circumstances in which they are born.” 

The statue would be funded by private donations, Watson noted.  

The bill is facing opposition from Democrats.

Despite the opposition, the bill passed easily by a 32-20 party line vote. It will now move to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.

The state Senate passed a similar bill last year, but it failed to reach the floor of the House.