South Carolina is one of only TWO states in the U.S. without a Hate Crimes law. 

For years, this legislation has been stalled in the SC Legislature by a handful of Republicans and it is long past time for citizens of this State to use their voices and demand change. 

Read article about how SC fails to pass Hate Crimes Bill 

Ready to take action? Here are 3 things you can do today:

1. Sign this petition, which will be sent to the South Carolina State Legislature, urging them to pass this Bill in the 2023 session.
2. Please contact your own representatives and tell them you support the passing of the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crime Bill (H. 3014 in the House, S.3 in Senate) Use this website to look up your State reps: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php
3. Send the below letter to the 10 people blocking the Bill:
   • Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley
   • Brian Adams, R-Berkeley
   • Dwight Loftis, R-Greenville
   • Tom Corbin, R-Greenville
   • Richard Cash, R-Anderson
   • Billy Garrett, R-Greenwood
   • Josh Kimbrell, R- Spartanburg
   • Danny Verdin, R-Laurens
   • Wes Climer, R-York
   • Rex Rice, R-Easley

Read more here.

Dear Representative,

I am concerned that South Carolina is one of only TWO states in the country without a Hate Crimes law. Without a hate crimes law on the books in SC, you are failing your constituents in the following ways:

1. Law enforcement agencies cannot train officers on how to address crimes committed on the basis of a perceived or actual characteristic.
2. Minority groups in our state continue to be the target of heinous crimes and have little recourse. 
3. Businesses have 48 other States that look more welcoming and progressive to set up shop.  

Hate crime legislation protects all members of a community and has been endorsed by many local and national religious, law enforcement, and business organizations.

We ask that you hold public hearings on the S.3 "C. Pinckney Hate Crime Bill" in the coming months so that citizens of South Carolina know that our concerns about public safety are heard.