While there’s not an emoji of the Texas state flag, there’s one that looks very similar to it – the emoji for the flag of Chile.
Both flags feature red and white bars, a blue panel and a single star. However, the Chilean flag has a blue square in the upper-left corner that contains the star, while the Texas flag holds the Lone Star in a blue rectangle.
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The similarities and lack of the correct electronic symbol have led many texters, Tweeters, Instagrammers and the like to substitute the available Chilean flag for the Texas flag in their messages.
A fact that has state Rep. Tom Oliverson, of Cypress, urging people to stop the proxy posting. So he authored House Concurrent Resolution 75, which points out the differences between the flags.
“The colors of the Chilean flag depict sky, snow, and blood spilled while fighting for freedom, but the blue, white, and red of the Lone Star Flag stand for the Texan values of loyalty, purity, and bravery,” the resolution reads.
The legislation also talks about the differences between the stars on the flags.
“The single star of the Chilean flag, positioned in a blue canton, has been seen by some as a guide to progress and honor,” the resolution reads. “The independent Lone Star of Texas, situated in a blue left panel, represents all of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country.”
RELATED: Read the entire resolution
Oliverson said that the legislation was never meant to start a lengthy debate on the need for a Texas flag emoji. Instead, he is hoping it will help people understand the differences between the flags that are often confused.
“I never thought in a million years it would get the kind of publicity it has gotten,” Oliverson said, “but it’s accomplished exactly what I set out for it to accomplish.”
Oliverson admitted that the resolution is a bit tongue-in-cheek, with a phrase that calls Chile’s flag “a nice flag” that can in no way compare or be substituted for the official state flag.
However, Oliverson stops short of calling for the creation of a Lone Star flag emoji.
“I don’t take a position on that,” Oliverson said.
The resolution, unlike a bill, does not make anything illegal. One can think of it as more of a position statement. However, it will still be presented to a committee, which decides whether to bring the legislation to a floor vote of the state House of Representatives.