What’s Next for Lawmakers Debate on Flag

(ABC NEWS) – -Even though the highest-ranking politician in South Carolina has called for the Confederate flag to be removed from state Capitol grounds, it could still take time to remove, if at all. The controversial flag‘s ultimate fate lies in the hands of the state legislature, and it’s unclear how and when lawmakers would vote, despite Gov. Nikki Haley‘s preference to remove it sooner rather than later. Another hurdle, beyond the vote itself, is getting lawmakers to the vote in the first place. The legislature’s session has formally ended for the year, but members are coming back today briefly to finish the budget. Making any changes regarding the flag requires a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers under the terms of the 2000 deal that moved a square version of the flag from the top of the Statehouse dome to an area on the grounds that has a monument to Confederate soldiers, according to the Associated Press. Adding the flag to the legislative agenda will take two-thirds approval by both chambers. How Could Gov. Haley Intervene Haley said she has the power to call the assembly back to work “under extraordinary circumstances,” suggesting that the flag debate would qualify. “I have indicated to the House and Senate, if they do not take measures to ensure this debate takes place this summer, I will use that authority for the purpose of removing the flag from the statehouse grounds,” she said Monday. Even though she said “that will take place in the coming week after the regular session and the veto session have been completed,” it still leaves the calendar open for the actual vote to take place anytime this summer. “There will be a time for discussion and debate, but the time for action is coming soon,” she said. The Optics of the Vote Itself The NAACP issued a statement today saying it is e concerned about a possible vote tally, and the group “expects nothing less than a unanimous vote.” “Simply calling for the flag‘s removal is not enough,” the group said in a statement. “While a toothless vote is legislatively necessary, we believe that a unanimous vote is morally required.” “If South Carolina refuses to take down the flag, the NAACP will only intensify its economic, political and moral pressure on the state to remove the same emblem of exclusion that the church shooter used as motivation for his crime.” The renewed debate over the issue comes in the wake of the shooting of nine people inside an African Methodist Episcopal church by a suspect who is believed to have posted a racist manifesto online before the attack last Wednesday.