New day for South Carolina after Confederate flag removed

WASHINGTON: Indian-American South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley today said a "new day" has dawned for her state as lawmakers voted for removal of the controversial Confederate flag -- a symbol of nation's racist past.

"It is a new day in South Carolina, a day we can all be proud of, a day that truly brings us all together as we continue to heal, as one people and one state," Haley said in a statement after the State House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to remove the flag.

Last month, after a White man shot down several black people inside a historic church, Halley had taken the courageous step to remove the controversial Confederate flag from the State Capitol - a move which was welcomed across the nation including the US President, Barack Obama.

"Removing this symbol of our nation's racist past is an important step towards equality and civil rights in America.

The flag may soon no longer fly at the State Capitol, but there is still unfinished business in confronting and acting on the inequalities that still exist in our country" Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, said.

"We can't hide from the hard truths about race and justice. We must do everything in our power to have the courage to name them and change them," she said.

Local media reported that confederate flag could be removed from the State House by tomorrow.

South Carolina's House of Representatives passed the vote with 94-20, more than the two-thirds vote needed for approval.

Haley is expected to sign the bill - now passed by both chambers of the State legislature today.