ALABAMA FINALLY PARDONS CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS: ‘Rosa Parks Act’ purges hundreds of arrest records in the state. *Alabama’s “Rosa Parks Act,� which would pardon those arrested for protesting racial segregation, has been passed by state legislators and now awaits a signature from Gov. Bob Riley. The bill, sponsored by Democrat Thad McClammy, would allow those seeking pardons to apply to the municipality that arrested them. In cases where family members want a pardon for a deceased activist, a legal representative can apply for the pardon. "It is long overdue. It will bring closure," McClammy said in an interview with the BBC." The bill, however, has had its share of critics. Some believe those arrested for protesting racial segregation never committed crimes, and therefore, are not in need of pardons. However, many of the protesters were unable to get employment because of their sudden criminal records following arrests. Gov. Riley has 10 days to sign the “Rosa Parks Act,� named for the seamstress and NAACP secretary who in 1955 was arrested for refusing to yield her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus.[/quote]
