Southern states that fly the Confederate flag are facing public backlash after a white man shot and killed nine black worshipers in a church last week. The man posted pictures of himself with the Confederate flag online, where he also wrote a racist manifesto.

The incident has highlighted the negative connotations that go along with the confederate flag, leading many to call for its removal from state buildings.

Lawmakers Squabble

This week lawmakers in Congress debated the issue, with Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson calling for all state flags that feature some part of the Confederate flag to be removed from the House side of the Capitol. However, Republicans blocked the move as many states consider the flag to be a remembrance of the southern soldiers killed during the Civil War. Another proposal calls for reduced funding for states who allow drivers to purchase especially made confederate flag license plates, in an effort to discourage states from encouraging the flag to be flown.

Related Link: EBay To Ban Confederate Flag Listings; Amazon Sales Skyrocket

Private Sector Weighs In

For private companies, the Confederate flag issue is a choice. Some major retailers have already begun removing the flag from their inventory— both eBay Inc (NASDAQ: EBAY) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) have made an effort to take down products flaunting a Confederate flag.

Apple Steps Up

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) voiced its view on the flag-debate by removing all Civil War games that feature a Confederate flag. Game makers say the flag is essential to maintain historical accuracy, and plan to resubmit their games with an earlier version of the flag.

Sales Increase

Meanwhile, other retailers are making huge profits as the renewed focus on the confederate flag and subsequent bans have made it a hot-ticket item. San Antonio-based Dixie Flag Company sold 25 of the flags in just 24 hours, a major jump from the site's typical sales of just three flags per week.