Several Chicago City Council members are calling for Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez will be removed from his leadership role after attending a rally this weekend condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
An American flag was burned by a military veteran at the rally, and photos showed Sigcho-Lopez standing in front of it as he gave a speech at the event.
The alderman said he was not present when the flag was burned and did not notice the flag while he was speaking.
“I wasn’t there (when the flag burned),” he said. “I don’t know how many people attend a press conference and look at the floor before speaking.”
These comments have not appeased many City Council members, who are calling for Sigcho-Lopez to be censured and removed as chair of the council’s Housing Commission.
Former Ald. Jim Balcer, a military veteran, criticized Sigcho-Lopez.
“I stood with veterans outside the Art Institute in 1968 when the American flag was disrespected,” he said, comparing the alderman’s actions to those of protesters at the Convention Democratic National of 1968 in Chicago.
Sigcho-Lopez said this year’s convention, also scheduled to be held in Chicago, should be canceled, earning her scorn from many colleagues.
“We have the right to call out our colleague, who should be held to a higher standard when he makes comments about canceling the DNC, makes comments about the commander in chief in front of a charred flag,” said Ald. » said Gilbert Villegas.
While Sigcho-Lopez was criticized for her participation in the rally where the flag was burned, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that burning the flag is constitutionally protected speech, most notably in the case Texas v. Johnson.
Ald. Bill Conway echoed similar remarks, but condemned his colleague’s comments and actions.
“I fought for his right to be objectionable, and I would do it again,” he said. “Byron has the right to be inflammatory.”
City council members said without an apology, Sigcho-Lopez should be disciplined, but the alderman said he would not back down.
“Yes (the DNC should be canceled),” he said. “The president and many leaders have neglected the issue of migration and neglected the genocide in Gaza. »
A special City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, but it would require a significant number of participants to move forward, and it is unclear whether that quorum will be met.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office declined to comment on the situation.
NBC Chicago
