Stamp Out Hate SC – A diverse coalition working toward the passage of a hate crime law in South Carolina

SC is Ready to Stamp Out Hate

Join the Stamp Out Hate SC Coalition and show your support
for a Hate Crime Law in South Carolina.

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Organizations in Support

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Faith Communities in Support

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SC Municipalities in Support

Hate Crime Bill Needed

Our Position Statement

We, the undersigned, in unison, call for the passage of a Hate Crime Law in South Carolina, because we cannot rely solely on Federal law enforcement to prosecute and track hate crimes occurring in our state. Where Federal crimes have not been committed, Federal, State and Local authorities are powerless to prosecute hate crime.

It is long past time that our state enshrines in law what we already believe: that committing a criminal act motivated by hate for someone because of their real or perceived race, religion, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability is unacceptable. As a non-partisan coalition, we will not support a law that does not protect all targeted groups of people.

We call for this hate crime law to contain the following:

Criminal Penalty Enhancement
Sentencing Increase Guidelines
Institutional Vandalism Statutes
Statewide Data Collection System
Mandatory Reporting to the FBI
Law Enforcement Training Mandates
Explicit Protected Classes

According to the FBI, hate crimes hit a 16 year high in 2019. The FBI estimates that less than half of hate crimes are reported to the police. The limited data available to the FBI from South Carolina also indicated an increase in hate crime, however, South Carolina is one of only three states without a hate crime law to appropriately respond.

As we have witnessed in our state and across the country, making progress in how we protect those targeted by hate is also attractive to businesses hoping to maintain preferred employer status and relocate to or expand in South Carolina.

We call on the 124th General Assembly of South Carolina to act against hate.

Coalition Supporters

Our network of grassroots organizations, nonprofits, faith communities, and municipalities that support a Hate Crime Law in South Carolina.

Statements of Support

“I would hope given what’s clear and present today that people would understand now that we need this hate crime bill more than ever.... We can ask for stiffer penalties if you are charged with a hate crime. Right now we can’t do that because there’s not a hate crime bill. I don’t think the bill first out of the gate should be mild. It should be a bold message, bold punishment.”

Rep. Wendell GilliardSC House of Representatives, 111th district

“It is an absolute shame that this state does not have a law against hate crimes.... Our legislators have got to take some action.”

Sheriff Leon LottRichland County Sheriff's Department

“It’s time for our state to again prioritize and expand dialogue to make life better for all SC residents…. We remain concerned that inaction on issues like a hate crimes law will have a negative impact on economic development. We may never know the true impact of which businesses never considered locating to South Carolina because of it.”

Carlos PhillipsCEO, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
President, SC Metro Chambers Coalition

"Hate crimes are message crimes: Vandals do not spray-paint messages like “Jane Loves Bobby” on the side of synagogues; more often, they paint a threat and a swastika. Racists do not burn random shapes on the front lawns of African American families. They burn crosses. Gay men beaten outside of a gay bars are rarely robbed. Hate crimes are message crimes: when these crimes occur, we must have a message of our own. While we cannot outlaw hate, we can pass laws that shape attitudes."

Solicitor Scarlett A. WilsonSC 9th Judicial Circuit

“Hate has continued to rear its ugly head and has plagued not just this state, but many other states for a number of years… Hate crimes are not on the decline, but on the rise. I am asking the South Carolina House of Representatives to pass hate crime legislation. ”

Rev. Eric ManningSenior Pastor, Mother Emanuel AME Church

"There is no room for victimization, discrimination, or harassment of any kind in our society today. The passage of Hate Crime legislation will send a strong message to all in South Carolina that we stand on the side of justice for all, regardless of real or perceived race, religion, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Let us come together as one and stamp out hate forever."

Mayor Keith SummeyNorth Charleston, South Carolina

"When I think about a hate crimes bill, I think it’s very important from an economic perspective within our state. Businesses deciding where to locate or open care a great deal about having their employees, as well as their businesses, protected from hate crimes."

Anita ZuckerCEO, Intertech Group

“We stand united with a very loud voice against hate, in support of hate crime legislation that will track, document and codify those types of trends, those events, those incidents that occur in our state.”

Chief Luther ReynoldsCity of Charleston Police Department

Three Actions You Can Take

Support This Effort

We are laying the groundwork in support of the passage of a hate crime bill in the 124th South Carolina General Assembly.

01

Sign On in support

We need organizations, faith communities, businesses and individuals to sign on in support.

02

Contact Your Legislators

Contact your legislators to express your support for a Hate Crime Law in SC.

03

Donate

Support the Stamp Out Hate Coalition’s efforts to pass a Hate Crime Law in SC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a Hate Crime Law needed in South Carolina?

SC is Ready to Stamp Out Hate

Our Position Statement

Coalition Supporters

Organizations

Faith Communities

Civic Leaders & Municipalities

Businesses