BEAUFORT, S.C. (May 15, 2024) – Beaufort City Council gave final approval on May 14 for a hate crime ordinance, joining 12 other municipalities in South Carolina that have passed such ordinances. “This is long overdue,” said City Councilman Neil Lipsitz. “We hope that by joining the other 12 municipalities in South Carolina in passing a hate crime ordinance, we are sending a clear message to Columbia that it is time for action by our state legislators to pass a similar measure for inclusion in the South Carolina Code.”
South Carolina is one of two states (the other being Wyoming) that has not passed a statewide hate crime statute. A bill to codify the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act has stalled in the South Carlina General Assembly the last two legislative sessions. The bill, passed by the House of Representatives, continues to be successfully opposed by a handful of conservative senators.
Under the provisions of the local ordinance, “hate intimidation” is defined as the intent to intimidate a person or persons because of “actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or national origin.”
A suspect may only be charged with a hate crime as an underlying offense in connection with another crime. A violation of this ordinance constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. The court may also order the offender to provide restitution for damages suffered by the victim.
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