AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee that would update the description of the Maine state flag to include gender-neutral language. It would also require that one of the figures on the flag be depicted as female.
Maine first established a state flag in 1901. That flag included a blue north star over a lone pine tree on a buff-colored background. In 1909, the Legislature adopted a new design that portrayed standard the state seal, established in 1820, on a blue background. The seal depicts a pine tree, a moose, land and sea. Flanking the scene, a seaman rests on an anchor and a husbandman rests on a scythe.
"A state's flag is supposed to be emblematic of the people of that state, their values and their culture," said Terry. "While no flag or image can perfectly capture the complete essence of a people, Maine's flag is far too outdated. Updating the statute that describes the state flag with language that better represents our citizens is one way we can modernize this important symbol, making it more meaningful to more Mainers."
"Today, a large number of women, along with men, make up the workforce," said Gorham resident, Ryan DeSanctis, a constituent who initially brought the proposal to Rep. Terry, The flag should represent Maine as what it is, a diverse and equal state for all."
The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and serves as the House Majority Leader. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Terry], c. 305-965-2744