Gov. McMaster signs anti-semitism bill, reluctant to support hate crimes law

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — While South Carolina is one of two states in the nation without a hate crime bill, a new law aims to define discrimination against the Palmetto State’s Jewish community.

Thursday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster signed the ‘Defining Anti-semitism bill’ into law at the statehouse at a ceremonial event at the statehouse. 

“Well South Carolina today is saying ‘Not in our state. Not here you’re going to do that.’ We’re going to stand against Jew-hatred, harassment and all of this stuff we’re seeing around the country,” said Elan Carr, Israeli American Council CEO.

While the bill does adopt the definition of anti-semitism recognized by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, it does not aim to censor free speech.

“Everybody has a right to express their opinion, except when it becomes at the level where it’s going to incite violence,” said Rep. Beth Bernstein, a Democrat from Columbia. “For example, we’re seeing it at Columbia University and college campuses in California. Fortunately, in South Carolina we’re not really seeing that.”

However, Bernstein, the only Jewish lawmaker in the Palmetto State, says there are instances of anti-semitism in South Carolina.

“You’ve had flyers being disseminated at Jewish homes that talk about Hitler and things that I would call anti-semitic,” Bernstein said.

Bernstein is pleased to see this bill signed but believes South Carolina also needs a hate crimes law. 

“It’s disappointing that we have not been able to pass a hate crime bill because of the Senate. That’s not what our state is about. We want to stamp out hate in South Carolina,” she said. “I think it would pass if it came to a vote but we have to get it to a vote. I don’t see us getting it.”

The governor and many other Republicans do not feel the need for such legislation.

“I don’t know if the hate crimes law that’s been debated here defines or clarifies. It introduces uncertainty,” McMaster said.

The governor went on to say he had many unanswered questions about any hate crimes legislation that would pass both chambers.