Alabama approves slavery apologies; But vote comes just after Confederate Day

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The state House and Senate approved separateresolutions apologizing for slavery Tuesday -- one day afterConfederate Memorial Day, an official state holiday.

"An apology goes a long way," said Sen. Hank Sanders, a Democrat."Some of us can't begin to heal until we have an apology."

Neither resolution will become official unless approved by theother chamber and signed by Republican Gov. Bob Riley, which isexpected.

Legislatures in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina haveapproved similar slavery apologies this year.

The Legislature resumed work Tuesday after state offices wereclosed the day before for Confederate Memorial Day, whichcommemorates secessionist soldiers in the Civil War.

Not all legislators agreed with the apologies. Some Republicansfeared the resolutions would be used to seek reparations, and thesponsors added language that they were not intended to be used as abasis for lawsuits.

"What I have a problem with is apologizing for something I didn'tdo," said Rep. Jay Love.