A Vancouver-based chain of flag shops has decided to stop the sale of Confederate battle flags “after much consideration”.
The decision was posted to The Flag Shop Twitter account on Monday, following the contentious debate raging in the United States after the deadly shootings at a South Carolina church last week.
"The Confederate flag is one of the many US historical flags that we have sold over the years. We have decided to stop selling it because it has become a symbol used by groups that promote racism and hate. We will not support any groups with these values," said the shop in a statement.
After much consideration, we are halting the sale of Confederate battle flags until further notice. More details coming soon.
— The Flag Shop (@TheFlagShop) June 22, 2015
The flag has been criticized following the racially motivated shootings in Charleston, as shooter Dylann Roof adopted it as a symbol of racial hatred. Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley has called on the state to remove the flags from the grounds of the state’s legislature.
July 4th is just around the corner. It will be fitting that our state Capitol will soon fly the flags of our country & state, and no others.
— Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) June 22, 2015
“We will have much more to say about this decision after our peak season is over so stay tuned for further details,” said The Flag Shop in a statement.
On Monday, Walmart in the United States announced it would be removing all items featuring the Confederate Flag from its website and stores. The flag is a symbol of the southern United States during the Civil War.
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