BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland’s attorney general says he has overruled opinions that upheld or applied unconstitutional racially discriminatory laws.
We hope that our opinion today will help remove the stain of those earlier, harmful and erroneous works. We will continue to fight to stamp out racism and hate in all of our work for Maryland. https://t.co/HmRMB0AUNm
— Brian Frosh, Attorney General of Maryland (@BrianFrosh) November 21, 2022
In an opinion addressed to General Assembly leaders Monday, Attorney General Brian Frosh formally overruled the opinions, saying while they may be unenforceable, the opinions serve as a "reminder of the history of racial injustice perpetuated through the legal institutions of our State government.”
Frosh's office says many relied on the restriction of interracial marriage and the doctrine of “separate but equal” in public facilities.
Some reviewed opinions advised that racially discriminatory laws should continue to be enforced.
The opinion says the review was inspired by a review by former Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.