6 legislators to introduce bill to take flag down, enact hate crimes legislation

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Six members of the South Carolina Black Caucus on Tuesday will introduce a resolution to amend the General Assembly's agreement for adjournment to include debate on removing the Confederate flag from the State House grounds.

The 'sine die' agreement reached by the General Assembly at the end of each regular session normally includes language that requires lawmakers to return to Columbia for gubernatorial budget shortfall adjustments, veto override votes, appointments and conference committee reports.

Representative John R. King (D-York) is leading the charge to amend  'sine die,' which also would also allow for debate on hate crime legislation.

“It is time for the General Assembly to take responsibility for the people of South Carolina,” King said. “After last Wednesday, there is no denying that hate crime legislation is needed. We are behind the times and leaving our citizens vulnerable. We must act now to do everything we can to protect the citizens of South Carolina and that includes the removal of the confederate battle flag. We cannot wait until January. It starts tomorrow June 23rd.”

Other members: Rep. Mia McLeod (D-Richland), Rep. Pat Henegan (D-Marlboro), Rep. Chris Hart (D-Richland), Rep. Harold Mitchell (D-Spartanburg) and Rep. Wendell Gilliard (D-Charleston).

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