June 9, 2025

Richland County Enacts Landmark Hate Intimidation Ordinance

News Summary

Richland County, South Carolina has become the first county in the state to implement a local hate intimidation ordinance. Passed unanimously, the ordinance aims to combat hate crimes fueled by bias related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and disability. This measure follows a significant increase in hate crimes statewide and addresses concerns over safety and community protection. Local advocates hope this step will inspire neighboring areas to adopt similar regulations, amidst ongoing discussions for a comprehensive statewide hate crimes law.

Richland County, South Carolina has officially become the first county in the state to enact a local hate intimidation ordinance. This landmark legislation was passed unanimously by the county council on June 4, 2025, amid rising concerns about hate crimes and their implications for community safety. The new ordinance addresses offenses motivated by bias related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and disability, establishing penalties to deter such crimes.

The ordinance contributes to a growing momentum in South Carolina, following the lead of 19 municipalities, including Columbia, Cayce, and Mount Pleasant, that have previously established similar regulations to combat hate-related incidents. The passage of this ordinance highlights an urgent response to a significant surge in reported hate crimes within the state, which experienced a staggering 77% increase from 2022 to 2023, escalating from 66 incidents to 115, as reported by the U.S. Justice Department.

Richland County’s ordinance represents a critical step in local law enforcement as there is currently no statewide hate crimes law in South Carolina. The state ranks among only two in the U.S. without such legislation, the other being Wyoming. The absence of statewide laws heightens the significance of local ordinances aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from acts of hate.

The ordinance not only sets forth penalties for hate crimes but also prohibits the dissemination of “hate material,” imposing potential fines of up to $500 per offense. Such measures aim to safeguard individuals from targeted intimidation and ensure that justice is not contingent upon one’s geographic location.

Opponents of the ordinance have raised concerns regarding its potential impact on free speech and its overall effectiveness in reducing hate crimes. They argue that the legislation may not serve as a sufficient deterrent against those with biased motivations. However, supporters point to the escalation of violent incidents fueled by hate, referencing the tragic shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in June 2015, which resulted in the deaths of nine individuals at the hands of a white supremacist.

Local advocates are hopeful that the approval of this ordinance in Richland County will inspire neighboring counties to adopt similar measures, particularly in light of the lacking state laws. Representative Wendell Gilliard has been at the forefront of advocating for a comprehensive statewide hate crimes law for nearly a decade, driven by the tragedy at Emanuel AME Church. His proposed legislation seeks to impose stricter penalties for hate-motivated crimes, potentially involving fines of up to $10,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.

While past iterations of the bill have successfully passed through the House, they have struggled to gain traction within the Senate. The upcoming 2025 South Carolina Legislative Session will commence on January 14, 2025, providing another opportunity for discussion on this critical issue. As the state continues to grapple with the implications of rising hate crimes, the focus remains on creating comprehensive protections for all residents.

The implementation of the hate intimidation ordinance in Richland County marks a significant milestone in the statewide conversation surrounding hate crimes. As local governments step in to fill the gap left by the absence of statewide laws, the hope is that these proactive measures will lead to safer communities and stronger legal frameworks to combat hate in all its forms.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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