South Carolina is one of only two states that have not enacted statewide hate crimes legislation.  

The lack of statewide hate crimes legislation has caused cities and towns to miss out on valuable economic opportunities as various civic, cultural and sporting organizations opt to host events and tournaments in neighboring states. 

The Municipal Association identified support of hate crimes legislation as an advocacy for the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.  While hate crimes legislation has passed the SC House of Representatives during the 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 legislative sessions, the Senate has chosen not to give the bill consideration.    

Given the General Assembly inaction in passing hates crimes legislation, SC cities and towns have passed hate crime ordinances. A list of local ordinances can be found below.