Local Hate Crime Ordinances

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

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.

SC cities and towns across the state have passed hate crime ordinances. A list of local ordinances can be found below.

Town of Arcadia Lakes
City of Beaufort
Town of Bluffton
City of Cayce
City of Columbia

City of Charleston

City of Chester

City of Clemson
City of Florence

City of Greenville
City of Hardeeville

Town of Mount Pleasant
City of Myrtle Beach
City of North Charleston
Town of Summerville

If your city or town has adopted a hate crimes ordinance, please notify Erica Wright at ewright@masc.sc.