Defying state leaders, Charleston may soon punish hate crimes on its own
Charleston could soon become the first city in South Carolina to pass a hate crime law, getting ahead of a stalled statewide effort amid growing concerns over violence aimed at particular groups.
On Tues. Nov. 13, Charleston City Council gave first reading to an ordinance banning intimidation on the basis of "perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability or national origin."
The ordinance, which was eclipsed by a lengthy debate about a proposed plastic bag ban, was unanimously advanced with support from city staff and elected officials.
Colleen Condon, the president of the Charleston-based Alliance for Full Acceptance, was the only member of the public who spoke in its favor.
Read more: https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/defying-state-leaders-charleston-may-soon-punish-hate-crimes-on-its-own/Content?oid=24984007