South Carolina lawmakers to discuss removing the Confederate flag from State House

State lawmakers could vote as soon as Tuesday on the flag’s removal

(AP Images)

In the wake of the Charleston hate crime that left nine black people dead at the hands of a white man, South Carolina leaders and activists have stepped up their calls to remove the Confederate flag from the State House building.

The Confederate flag has long been criticized as a symbol of the racist history of the US South, though many supporters claim the flag is more about heritage than racism.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senator Lindsey Graham - a presidential candidate - are both expected to say the same later on Monday, according to media reports.

Since the shooting, several photos have emerged of Mr Roof displaying the Confederate flag.

State Senator Marlon Kimpson said the calls for removal of the Confederate flag from the State House have grown so loud that legislators are committed to sanctioning its removal before state government takes summer vacation.

The state legislature reconvenes for one week on Tuesday and Mr Kimpson said it is possible that lawmakers will debate removing the flag as early as 10 am Tuesday.

The Confederate flag has flown from the grounds of the State House since 2000, when it was removed from the dome, where it flew with the American and state flags.

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