Richland County is now the first South Carolina county to pass a hate crime law.
The County Council voted unanimously June 3 to pass the new ordinance.
Now, it is unlawful for a person to cause fear, harm, or damage to a person or person’s property because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Anyone who violates the ordinance will be charged with an additional misdemeanor on top of the underlying offense. They could also receive a fine of up to $500 or a maximum of 30 days in jail.
“I imagine it’s not often you get to pass something that benefits absolutely everyone, no matter their race, personal beliefs, gender, religion, or walk of life,” said resident Jessica Thomas, one of a handful of supporters to address Richland County Council Tuesday.
Not everyone in attendance backed the county change.
“The U.S. Supreme Court, time and again, has made it clear. There is no hate speech exemption to its protections. Offensive, even deeply hateful speech, is lawfully protected,” said resident JC Gaylor.
In response, Richland County Council's attorney said there was no violation for any protections of speech.
A few council members also spoke in support of the ordinance, thanking District 3 Councilwoman Tyra Little, who sponsored the law.
“When you have been involved in a situation where you feel threatened, whether it’s with words or with someone’s actions, and then note that nothing can be done, that’s a very scary thing” District 7 Councilwoman Gretchen Barron said.
Although Richland County is the first county in South Carolina to a pass hate crime law, there are several municipalities with those same ordinances in place.
South Carolina is one of two states without a statewide hate crime law.