Protesters have staged a rally outside the South Carolina State House in a bid to have the Confederate flag removed from the grounds as legislators gathered inside. Hundreds of people chanted 'take it down' at the demonstration in Columbia as they pushed for local lawmakers to ban the divisive standard. It follows calls from a number of politicians for it to be torn down, including GOP presidential candidate Lindsey Graham, who said: 'God help South Carolina if we fail to achieve the goal of removing the flag.' Protesters held placards, one comparing the flag to a swastika, and listened as community leaders blasted the state government for not acting to remove the emblem of slavery - which many believe has become a rallying symbol for racism and xenophobia in the United States.Hundreds joined demonstration outside the State House in ColombiaPushed for divisive standard to be removed from outside the groundsCharleston County Council president said: 'It's time to get past history'Politicians including Gov. Nikki Haley and GOP presidential candidate Lindsey Graham have urged it to be taken downGraham said 'God help South Carolina' if they fail to remove the flag
The senator for _ added: 'I hope that, by removing the flag, we can take another step towards healing and recognition – and a sign that South Carolina is moving forward.' 'At the same time for many others in _, the flag is a deeply offensive symbol of a brutally oppressive past.