Bi-partisan group of lawmakers introduce ‘Pray-Safe’ Act

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Wednesday morning (March 26), a bi-partisan group of lawmakers introduced the ‘Pray-Safe’ Act.

The bill would establish a grant program thru the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to help with security enhancements for organizations at risk of being victims of religiously motivated crimes.

Lawmakers who spoke with ABC Columbia say churches, synagogues, and mosques should be a safe haven for South Carolina residents.

According to the most recent statistics provided by the FBI, crimes targeting a particular religion made up 26% of the hate crimes reported in South Carolina in 2023.