South Carolina is one of only four states without hate crime legislation. According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics for SC, out of hate crime cases reported, most are motivated by race. Hate crimes in SC are rising each year. However, hate crime laws can be a deterrent to those committing hate crimes.

We don’t need another Dylan Roof. He murdered 9 black parishioners during bible study.We don’t need another Brandon Lecroy. He attempted to hire someone to kill his black neighbor. We don’t need another group of white supremacist adults attacking black children on a school bus in Lamar. And we don’t need any additional senseless murders, like Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery!

Those illogical assaults, threats, murders and countless other attacks, is proof that legislation is necessary to combat hate motivated crimes throughout the US. Why is SC an exception? 46 other states and DC have statutes with penalties for bias-motivated crimes. House Bill H3063 provides additional penalties for a person convicted of a crime, with the intent to assault, intimidate, or threaten a person because of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or homelessness. This bill has strong bipartisan support but it needs to get to the floor for a vote. It is imperative that the elected officials, take action today and have a vote. They just may save a life!

SC has the opportunity to be an example to GA, WY, and AR. Add SC to the list of states that have hate crime legislation. Encourage SC lawmakers to Stand up and do what’s right for ALL South Carolinians! They deserve to be protected, too.

Please support our fight to eradicate systemic racism through collective activism. Demand that SC takes a stand against hate crimes. Please sign and share with your family, friends and neighbors.