Beaufort Co. council considers hate intimidation ordinance

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The possibility of passing a hate intimidation ordinance is being discussed in Beaufort County.

Several municipalities have already enforced an ordinance, but one hasn’t been enforced in unincorporated parts of the county or on Hilton Head Island.

For over 30 years, South Carolina lawmakers have tried to pass hate crime legislation, but each time it falters before making it to the governor’s desk.

The proposed hate intimidation ordinance would be a misdemeanor if someone is found guilty of it, meaning they could face a $500 fine or up to 30 days in jail.

“South Carolinians, who are victims of hate crimes, cannot receive justice under state law,” said Risa Prince of the Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate.

Prince brought up the proposed ordinance at a Community Services and Public Safety Meeting on Tuesday.

However, municipalities are now passing hate intimidation ordinances, which make it illegal to intimidate anyone based on gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion, among other things.

An ordinance that Beaufort County is now considering.

“Let’s see if we can pass that as a first step to show people we are determined and interested in addressing this issue,” said Larry McElynn, Beaufort County Council District 10. “While the other issue at the state level is moving forwards being resolved.”

The ordinance is already in place in Hardeeville, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Port Royal.

But there are parts of the county that are not covered.

“Enacting this will remedy the unequal protection for victims of non-violent hate crimes in the county,” Prince added.

There was also discussion about a hate crime ordinance that would add penalties to violent offenses, where someone could face extra fines and years behind bars if there was a hate crime motivation behind their violent offense.

That idea was struck down, as Beaufort County, like every other county are listening to the state attorney general’s opinion on the matter and waiting for the state to pass legislation.

“It should be a crime anywhere throughout the state; it should be consistent,” said Brian Hulbert, Beaufort County Attorney. “You shouldn’t have to worry about if you do something here it’s a crime, but you cross over two feet into another county or city and it’s not a crime.”

The proposal for the hate intimidation ordinance is now in the hands of the county council for them to discuss, which could lead to a resolution and an ordinance passed by the council.