Mount Pleasant Town Council unanimously voted Wednesday night to enact two different ordinances to address hate crimes — something the state of South Carolina, one of two states without an anti-hate crime statute, has failed to do.
Mount Pleasant leaders began discussing ways to fight back against hate crimes after antisemitic flyers were passed around neighborhoods in last September and October. Two Mount Pleasant council members received antisemitic postcards at their homes in December.
One of the Mount Pleasant ordinances adds the possibility of fines up to $500 and up to 30 extra days in jail for anyone who commits a crime in the town motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disabilities or national origin. The second prevents handbills and flyers from being left on inhabited private areas without those items being directly handed to the resident. Penalties for violating the handbill ordinance would also include fines of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
A hate crime bill has been introduced at the state level several times over the years, but failed to pass.
“I say to those Senate members, get your act together,” said Sharon Hox, a member of the Jewish Federation of Charleston. “This is way past time to recognize that there’s no place for hate. Interpersonal hate is just the lowest form. Let’s clear that air and work on more important issues.”
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In other news:
Haley, DeSantis spar in 5th Republican presidential debate; Christie bows out. Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis squared off Wednesday night in their first one-on-one matchup ahead of the first Republican presidential primary. Meanwhile with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie out of the race, Haley has gained an advantage in New Hampshire where Christie had spent significant time trying to woo voters.
Republicans fast-track ban on transgender health care. This bill would ban minors in South Carolina from undergoing “gender-transition procedures,” including surgeries, hormone therapy and puberty blockers. Meanwhile, parents, advocates decry the push from lawmakers.
Special election announced for Folly Beach council seat. A special election has been set for April to fill a Folly Beach City Council seat after council member Eddie Ellis announced his resignation.
Folly Beach gets $18M for beach renourishment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they will spend $18 million on Gator Dredging, which will place 1.3 million cubic yards of sand on the beach.
North Charleston postal service hub’s future up for review. The U.S. Postal Service is looking at a potential overhaul of its longtime North Charleston distribution site that could include new investments and the relocation of some work to the Midlands.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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