During the last three years, our country has argued about the controversy of the president’s birth certificate. Potential presidential candidate Donald Trump has recently gained publicity for questioning the legitimacy of President Obama’s certificate and bringing the controversy back into the limelight. Now, action needs to be taken to ensure these kinds of accusations do not arise for future political candidates.

Arizona has taken the initiative by passing a law requiring U.S. presidential candidates to prove their citizenship in order to get on the state ballot. Arizona legislators say the law will protect the integrity of the office of president. Integrity is a necessity for a presidential administration that seeks to be nationally respected.

Requiring proof of citizenship for presidential candidates makes certain the candidate’s right to hold office is above reproach. This is a necessary prerequisite today, when information is easily obtainable and sought out more fervently than ever before.

Of course, this sort of legislation does not come about without dissent. One legislator directly insulted the state of Alabama when attacking the bill. “We pretty much look backward. You might as well change Arizona to Alabama,” Arizona sate Rep. Ruben Gallego said.

Gallego’s insult to Alabama demonstrates the ineffective strategy of many Democratic legislators. Without offering an alternative solution to the problem, they ridicule the ideas of the opposing party.

Alabama and other states should ignore insulting comments against this bill, and follow Arizona’s lead in drafting legislation to prevent the legitimacy of future presidential candidates being challenged. The president’s office needs to be one that the American people can respect even if they disagree with the ideology of the president holding office. If there is constant question of the president’s right to hold office, respect will never come.

Brett Horsley is a junior majoring in public relations.