State Sen. Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) is urging the resignation of a Republican state central committee member over comments he said he made on social media and flying the Confederate flag.
The committee member in question who Fasano named is GOP State Central Committee member Scott Veley, of the Kensington section of Berlin. The Connecticut Post reported that Veley flew the flag at his house and that he posted on Facebook, "I will not give in to this Politically Correct absurdity -- Flying the 'Stars & Bars today in protest."
This comes amid controversy over a Confederate flag flying outside South Carolina's state capitol in the wake of the murder of nine black churchgoers at a bible study.
The post is not currently on the Facebook page under his name.
“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," Fasano said. "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."
Fasano called Veley’s actions "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," Fasano said. "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.”
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Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst also posted on Twitter Saturday, "Republican State Central Committee member Scott Veley should resign based on his recent conduct. #TakeItDown.
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton also weighed in, tweeting, "There are 2 other SCC members who 'Iiked' Mr. Veley's post. Along with Mr Veley they should end their membership on SCC and our party."
NBC Connecticut reached out to Veley for comment but could not immediately reach him.
