Richland County Enacts Local Hate Crime Law First in South Carolina
COLUMBIA — On June 3, Richland County made history by becoming the first county in South Carolina to pass its own hate crime law. This significant step joins a movement where 19 municipalities across the state have established local measures to impose specific penalties for crimes intentionally aimed at individuals based on their ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disabilities.
South Carolina remains one of only two states without a statewide hate crime law, leading local governments to take initiative as state legislation has stalled. The county ordinance, introduced by Councilwoman Tyra Little, passed unanimously and introduces an additional charge of hate intimidation for violators, which can result in a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail.
While some attendees expressed concerns over potential First Amendment violations, others supported the measure. "It’s time to give our constituents a way of feeling a little safer and just knowing that we care," Little told The Post and Courier. In 2023 alone, South Carolina reported 115 hate crimes, though many remain unreported, highlighting the need for such local ordinances.
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