Bill to Remove Confederate Flag Clears Another Hurdle

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Columbia, S. C. (WOLO) — On Monday, the South Carolina Senate voted 37-3 to pass the 2nd reading of the flag bill that would remove the Confederate Flag from the state grounds. The Senate spent a majority of the day Monday debating whether or not the flag represented heritage or hate. Senator Vincent Sheheen introduced the bill. On the floor he said the Confederate flag means something different to each individual and it is time to remove the flag to help fix the culture of division in South Carolina. “I think this is one small step to say to the people of South Carolina, it’s time for us to unite, it’s time for us to put aside the division that for over 200 years has divided us,” said Senator Sheheen. The favorable vote did not come without debate. Senator Lee Brice argued in favor of keeping the flag on the State House grounds. Senator Bright introduced two amendments, one which would’ve allowed South Carolinians to vote on the matter and a second which would have replaced the current flag flying with the first national confederate flag. Bright argued the flag represents a part of South Carolina’s history. “Removing this flag from out front is not going to do anything to change this nation,” said Senator Bright. “All we‘re gonna do is we‘re gonna disrespect these 20,000 men, black and white that fought to defend your state.” The 3 different amendments failed and the majority vote advanced the bill to a 3rd reading on Tuesday morning. If the bill passes a 3rd reading, it will be sent to the House.