(CHARLOTTESVILLE –  WINA) –  A local judge will reveal later this month whether a lawsuit that followed the City Council’s February 6th decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee can proceed to trial.  Following a Friday afternoon hearing, Charlottesville Circuit Court Judge Rick Moore indicated he might make a decision within two to three weeks.

A prolonged furor over the council’s decision led to an August 12th “Unite the Right” rally that triggered chaotic scenes and violent clashes.  Early on August 22nd, the councilors decided  the statue of Lee and a nearby statue of Stonewall Jackson should be covered with black tarps.  They view the shrouded statues as symbols of mourning for a 32-year-old woman who died as a result of the violence.

The plaintiffs include many longtime residents and Virginia’s Sons of Confederate Veterans.  They contend the council is violating a 1997 law that deals with memorials for war veterans.