On Thursday's broadcast of Huntsville WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, now candidate for Alabama House District 20, discussed the U.S. Supreme Court's historic majority ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.
According to Brooks, under the bench's decision, Alabama's current congressional map is now both unconstitutional and racist.
"We have to bear in mind that the court just got through ruling that we are not going to allow race to be a factor in redistricting," Brooks told show host Dale Jackson. "You can't create districts based primarily on race. You can't promote majorities over minorities based on race, and you also can't promote minorities over majorities based on race. The congressional districting plan that is now in place is mandated by the courts solely on the basis of race.
Brooks urged Alabama's elected officials to move forward with redistricting.
"The legislature needs to act, and then if somebody objects, they can object, and it will go to court. But keep in mind, now we're armed with an opinion from the United States Supreme Court that says you cannot use race as the basis for drawing districts," he argued. "The prior court mistakenly did exactly that."
Added Brooks, "It's wrong. It's unconstitutional, and it's racist."
The U.S Supreme Court ruled in Louisiana v. Callais that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the 14th and 15th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution don't require or permit States to use race in drawing voting districts.
On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session on redistricting.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
