Marion County, Florida votes to reinstate Confederate flag to council building

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Marion County removed flag in late June amid backlash in South Carolina
But on Tuesday it was raised again after unanimous vote in favor
Residents and politicians told a panel it is 'part of our history'

Published: 12:34 EST, 8 July 2015 | Updated: 13:43 EST, 8 July 2015

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A county in Florida has unanimously voted to reinstate the Confederate flag despite national outcry over the controversial banner.

It has been falling from state capitols across the country after the racist shooting of nine black churchgoers by a pro-Confederate 21-year-old, Dylann Roof.

And last week Marion County followed suit, removing the flag for fear of backlash.

However, the move prompted outrage from local citizens who claim it is a mark of their heritage.

Reinstated: The Confederate flag in Marion County, Florida, after it was reinstated by a unanimous vote

Finally, on Tuesday, Marion County's board of commissioners overruled the decision by board chairman Stan McClain, and the banner was raised up once more.

'We are all exposed to messages and symbols that may not connect for us, but we should all honor our ancestors and protect free expression,' said state Rep. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) during a meeting to decide the fate of the flag, according to WKMG.

Members of the public also attended to share their views.

Buddy Proctor said: 'It should be put back. It's a Southern flag.'

'I don't see racism in the symbol of the Confederate flag,' said Debbie Rotstein. 'I see it was part of the Civil War, and it was part of our history.'

Maintenance worker Vic Pollock ties the controversial banner onto the rope before pulling it up on Tuesday afternoon. The flag had been taken down at the end of June amid backlash after the Charleston shootings

Confederate flag issue was also being debated in SC senate