A bill aimed at having the flag removed passed a second reading in the state Senate by a vote of 37-3. The legislation will go up for a final vote on Tuesday before being passed to the lower House of Representatives.
Many officials, including South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, have urged lawmakers to remove the controversial flag, which is viewed by many as a symbol of slavery. The issue has received renewed scrutiny after the June 17 terrorist attack which left nine dead at a historically black church in Charleston.
