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Mississippi gov: I'd sign bill to remove flag's rebel emblem

Racial Injustice Confederate Flag Mississippi
Rogelio V. Solis/AP
A Mississippi state flag flies outside the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, June 25, 2020. Athletic coaches and their staffs from the state's public universities held a joint news conference and called for a change in the Mississippi state flag. Additionally several head coaches met with both the lieutenant governor and Speaker Philip Gunn, as well as their lawmakers, to lobby for the change. The current flag has in the canton portion of the banner the design of the Civil War-era Confederate battle flag, that has been the center of a long-simmering debate about its removal or replacement. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Racial Injustice Confederate Flag Mississippi
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi lawmakers taking steps to erase the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag.

The symbol has come under criticism amid nationwide protests against racial injustice.

The House voted Saturday to file a bill to remove the symbol that many see as racist. A committee would design a new flag including the words In God We Trust. Voters decide in November whether to endorse that design.

Mississippi has used the same flag for more than 125 years. Religious, education, sports and business leaders are pushing legislators to remove the Confederate symbol.

Republican Gov. said Saturday that he will sign a bill to change the flag.

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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