U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves stated that he would review the arguments and written briefs submitted in March by each side, but did not give any indication as to how he would proceed. Reeves stated that the court would take the matter under advisement, and that a ruling would be made shortly after he adjourned court. Moore, a Grenada-based attorney, filed the lawsuit against Gov. Phil Bryant filed the lawsuit against Moore in February. He claimed that the Mississippi state flag which featured a Confederate battle symbol violated the Equal Protection Clause under the Fourteen Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Moore claims that the flag has caused him anxiety and stress, as well as physical harm. Moore stated during Tuesday’s argument that he was asking the court to declare that African Americans in this country have a constitutional right to be treated with dignity, respect, and equal rights. I’m not asking for you to change the flag of the state. “I’m not asking you to change the state flag. The hearing focused on the legal standing of this lawsuit. Attorneys from both sides debated whether the court had the authority to decide such an issue. Reeves asked each party during the hearing, “Should it allow the legislative branch work its way through the issue?” Moore claimed that he brought the lawsuit because the state legislature failed to debate any 12 bills that were introduced early in the legislative session. The Special Assistant Attorney General Douglas Miracle led the state’s counsel. “The political debate over the Mississippi state flag is real. Miracle stated that it’s ongoing and live. Moore argues that the court should act as the political process is slowing down. This alone does not give grounds for the court to act.”_x000D