By Pamela Dodson
Staff Reporter

pdodson@thepccourier.com

COLUMBIA – The Confederate flag may soon be taken down from Capitol grounds in Columbia. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley asked that the flag be removed following the grisly murders of nine church parishioners at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, on June 17.

In a statement Monday, Haley applauding the Senate’s passing vote of 37-3 in the second of three readings of the bill. “The South Carolina Senate today rose to this historic occasion, with a large majority of members from both parties coming together in the spirit of unity and healing that is binding our state back together and moving us forward in the right direction” said Haley.

This vote, however, doesn’t mean the flag will immediately be removed. After Tuesday’s vote passing the Senate, the bill now heads to the House. Haley encouraged the House to follow the Senate’s lead and act swiftly. The House will begin debate as early as today, although it is uncertain when a vote will take place.