ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- A Maryland advisory group is recommending changes to the state's official anthem, "Maryland, My Maryland," which critics say is divisive for its celebration of the Confederacy.
The recently formed State Song Advisory Group issued a report Monday in which the committee members unanimously urged the General Assembly to either change parts of the song or choose a tune that would be played instrumentally only.
The report says that the song isn't inclusive and doesn't reflect present-day views.
Frederick County state Delegate Karen Lewis Young submitted legislation in July to have the words of the state song replaced by a poem of the same title. Young says the song celebrates the Confederacy and disparages the Union government, with lyrics such as "Northern scum."
