Rep. Pitts Defends Journalism Registration Bill
Representative Mike Pitts says his journalism registration bill proved his point
Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — On Tuesday morning, Representative Mike Pitts defended his bill requiring journalists to register with the state. The bill is structured similar to the law requiring gun owners to register to carry a concealed weapon in South Carolina.
“My whole point to this was very simple,” said Rep. Pitts. “To show that there’s a slant and a bias against the 2nd amendment, not just the 2nd amendment but against other portions of the bill of rights. In that the media as whole, will only come to the fight when it looks like the 1st amendment and only a portion of the 1st amendment is under attack.”
In explaining his reason for creating the bill, Representative Pitts cited an example of what he believes was bias and hypocrisy during the coverage of the confederate flag debate
“Never once did I advocate to keep the flag on the pole but by the process I became the face nationally of the guy that wanted to keep the flag,” said Rep. Pitts.
Several of Representative Pitt’s colleagues in the House said they believe he has made his point.
“I think the point has been made, the question is going to be whether or not we all step back and begin to respect the idea that all of those amendments matter,” said Rep. Kirkman Finlay.
Other members of the House believe using the bill to make a political statement is inefficient.
“We should be concentrated on bills that deal with the problems we have in South Carolina, lord knows we got plenty, and it would make sense we spend our time looking for solutions and introducing legislation that addresses those issues,” said Majority Leader Bruce Bannister.
Representative Pitts said he does not want the bill to pass, but rather was making a point.
