Rally held at SC State House in support of hate crimes bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Demonstrators gathered at the State House on Wednesday, April 23, to call for the passage of a hate crimes bill.

Ten years after the racially motivated mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, the Senate has yet to hold a vote on hate crime legislation.

South Carolina remains one of only two states without a hate crime law.

Organizers say the proposed hate crime bill would increase penalties for crimes motivated by hate and protect victims targeted because of their race, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Those opposed to the passage of a hate crimes law like Governor Henry McMaster have said the bill as it currently stands would invite uncertainty.