Charleston SC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County Council voted 5-4 against a hate intimidation ordinance aimed at enhancing protections against hate crimes. The ordinance faced opposition over concerns regarding vagueness and potential free speech infringements. Advocates argued it was essential for addressing rising hate crimes. With South Carolina lacking a statewide hate crimes law, discussions surrounding community safety and hate crime legislation continue to evolve.
Charleston County Council Votes Against Hate Intimidation Ordinance
Charleston County, SC – In a significant decision, the Charleston County Council voted against a proposed hate intimidation ordinance during a meeting on August 26, 2025, with the final tally reaching 5-4. The ordinance aimed to enhance community protections against hate crimes but faced considerable opposition primarily due to concerns regarding its vagueness and potential infringement on free speech rights.
The council members who voted against the ordinance included Joe Boykin, Jenny Costa Honeycutt, Larry Kobrovsky, Herb Sass, and Brantley Moody. Conversely, those advocating for the ordinance argued that it represented a crucial step toward addressing the alarming rise in hate-driven offenses within the community.
Overview of the Proposed Ordinance
The proposed ordinance intended to impose penalties for crimes motivated by bias related to ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and physical or mental disability. Penalties outlined in the ordinance included fines of up to $500 or imprisonment for as many as 30 days. Supporters stressed that implementing such measures would send a strong message against intolerance and hate.
Concerns of the Opponents
Opponents of the ordinance expressed substantial concerns regarding its wording and the potential for ambiguity that could lead to misuse. They highlighted the risk of infringing upon the First Amendment rights of individuals which, according to them, could result in undesirable restrictions on free speech.
Context of Hate Crimes Legislation in South Carolina
Charleston County has previously encouraged state lawmakers to enact a statewide hate crimes law, having passed a resolution calling for such legislation in June 2025. Currently, South Carolina is one of only two states nationwide without a comprehensive statewide law addressing hate crimes, receiving significant public pressure despite a growing number of local ordinances. Local governments have begun to act independently, with Richland County being the first in South Carolina to establish a hate crime ordinance in June 2025, followed closely by Orangeburg County on August 18, 2025. Other communities, such as Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant, have also instituted their own local hate crime measures.
Efforts to develop statewide legislation are embodied by the “Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act,” named in honor of a victim of the tragic 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting. Although the bill has been introduced repeatedly, it has yet to pass the Senate.
Rising Hate Crime Statistics
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice highlight a troubling trend: reported hate crimes in South Carolina surged from 65 cases in 2022 to 115 in 2023. This increased activity raises alarms among community advocates, who argue that the lack of a statewide regulatory framework enables hate groups to firmly establish themselves within the state.
Future Implications
Charleston Councilman Teddie Pryor pointed out that adopting a local ordinance could serve as a catalyst for wider legislative changes at the state level, emphasizing the growing urgency of addressing hate crimes comprehensively. In addition, state Representative Wendell Gilliard is a long-time advocate of hate crime legislation, working to garner support from counties throughout the state in anticipation of the next legislative session.
This latest vote marks an important juncture in the ongoing discussion about hate crimes and community safety in South Carolina, as both advocates and opponents continue to voice their positions in a growing dialogue surrounding legislative action.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the Charleston County Council meeting on August 26, 2025?
The council voted against the proposed hate intimidation ordinance with a count of 5-4.
What did the proposed ordinance aim to address?
It aimed to penalize crimes motivated by bias based on ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and physical or mental disability.
Why did some council members oppose the ordinance?
Opponents expressed concerns regarding the ordinance’s vagueness and potential violations of First Amendment rights.
What does the current legal landscape look like regarding hate crimes in South Carolina?
South Carolina is one of only two states without a statewide hate crimes law, although several localities have enacted their own ordinances.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinance Vote Result | 5-4 vote against the proposed hate intimidation ordinance |
| Key Supporters | Council members advocating for combatting hate crimes |
| Key Opponents | Concern over vagueness and free speech implications |
| Proposed Ordinance Penalties | Fines up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail |
| Current Hate Crimes | Increase from 65 cases in 2022 to 115 cases in 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Richland County Enacts Landmark Hate Intimidation Ordinance
Summerville Honors Local Entrepreneur Tiffany Johnson-Wilson
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Charleston County Council Votes Against Hate Intimidation Ordinance
- Live 5 News: Why Hasn’t SC Enacted Hate Crimes Law?
- Post and Courier: Charleston County Hate Crime Resolution
- ABC News 4: Advocates Rally at SC State House
- Count On 2 News: Legislative Session Planned to Address Hate Crimes
- Wikipedia: Hate Crime
- Google Search: Hate Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime
- Google Scholar: Hate Crimes
- Google News: Hate Crimes South Carolina
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