MONTGOMERY, Ala., April 25 (UPI) -- Alabama state legislators have passed resolutions apologizing for slavery.
The state House of Representatives and Senate passed different resolutions Tuesday. If one of the chambers approves the other's apology, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has said he would sign it, the Birmingham (Ala.) News reported.
The Senate resolution says "we express our profound regret as a state which participated in the process of slavery, that we further atone for the involuntary servitude of Africans, and that we call for reconciliation among all Alabamians."
It passed 22-7 with five abstentions, with only Democrats voting in favor of it, the News reported.
The House resolution says in part "we apologize for the wrongs inflicted by slavery and its aftereffects in the United States of America."
It was approved by a voice vote.
Legislatures in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland have passed similar resolutions.
Opponents to the resolutions said they feared they could be used in lawsuits against the state.
