Local Hate Crime Ordinances in South Carolina Signal Push for Statewide Law
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. – More South Carolina communities are passing local hate crime ordinances, signaling frustration that the state remains one of only two in the nation without a statewide law against hate-motivated offenses.
Isle of Palms Takes Action
This week, the Isle of Palms City Council approved an ordinance making proven hate crimes a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines and 30 days in jail. The move follows similar laws already enacted in Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and Folly Beach.
Mayor Phillip Pounds said the council acted because the state legislature has repeatedly failed to move forward.
“A couple years ago, we passed a resolution to encourage our state to pass a hate crime legislation because this is a state-level issue and should be. That kind of fell on deaf ears … so we just felt like it was time for us to take action,” Pounds explained.
Charleston County Measure Falls Short
At the county level, Charleston leaders narrowly failed to pass a similar ordinance by just one vote, after debate over the effectiveness of a county-wide law and ambiguity in the wording.
Despite the loss, Rep. Wendell Gilliard, who has introduced a statewide hate crime bill for nearly a decade, said the local momentum is encouraging.
“We were sad about Charleston County having to vote on it … but even that’s encouraging, because other counties and municipalities are watching and listening,” Gilliard said.
Pressure on the Statehouse
Gilliard emphasized that these local laws are part of a deliberate strategy to build pressure on reluctant state senators. His bill has twice passed the South Carolina House, only to stall in the Senate.
“Time is of essence. We can’t be waiting on the federal government. We have to have our own in-house law so we can act … and expedite cases as they happen,” Gilliard said.
Wyoming remains the only other state without a hate crime law on the books. Advocates argue that passing one in Columbia would bring South Carolina in line with 48 other states.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Local leaders say they hope the 2026 legislative session will finally produce action. Until then, ordinances like Isle of Palms’ provide at least symbolic protection and show solidarity with residents affected by hate-fueled crimes.
“Whether these cities are large or small, really, the message should come from the bottom up … the people are now talking. They want a hate crime law here in the state of South Carolina,” Gilliard stressed.
Do you think South Carolina lawmakers will finally pass a statewide hate crime law in 2026, or will local ordinances continue to fill the gap? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
