CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – The number of hate groups in South Carolina has increased since 2015, according to data from the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The center’s “hate map” tracked 20 hate groups in South Carolina in 2020. It is the largest number since 2015, when the SPLC said it identified 22 hate groups in the state.
State lawmakers say this is yet another reason for the state to pass legislation against hate crimes.
With the General Assembly back in session, Congressman Wendell Gilliard believes that the hate crime legislation he introduced in 2018 will finally become law.
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“When we started this venture five years ago, we had five states that did not have a law against hate crimes. We now have three states and South Carolina is one, ”said Gilliard. “It is very important that we make the statement here in South Carolina and to show the world that we are ready, we are going to do the process, we are serious.”
The bill would add penalties for crimes committed against a person because of his “race, religion, color, sexual age, nationality, sexual orientation or homelessness”.
Congressman JA Moore, who represents parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties, says his family was often the target of hatred, but it was the 2015 massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church, where his sister was killed, that prompted lawmakers to come forward a hate crime law.
The city of Charleston already passed a hate crime law in 2018.
Although Moore says that a state bill will not prevent hate itself, it will hold people accountable for prejudice-based crimes.
“My hope now is that while it may not be a priority for leadership, it is a number one priority for me and my constituents that I represent in District 15 and millions of South Carolinaians,” he said. “I hope that the will of the people, no matter what political affiliation, reigns true this time.”
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