COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a historic move, Richland County Council unanimously passed the first county-level hate intimidation ordinance in the state of South Carolina, led by Councilmember Tyra Little (pictured below). With this vote, Richland County becomes a trailblazer in the Palmetto State, standing against hate and taking legislative action to protect vulnerable communities.
Under this new ordinance, it will be unlawful for a person to cause fear, intimidation, harm or damage to a person or person’s property because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. It also empowers law enforcement with the tools to formally recognize and respond to these acts as hate crimes – something that has not been available under South Carolina law. If convicted, violators would face an additional misdemeanor charge which could come with an additional $500 fine or extra jail time.
Councilwoman Little
South Carolina remains one of only two states – along with Wyoming – that has not enacted a statewide hate crime law. In response to this glaring gap in protection, Councilmember Little introduced the local ordinance to ensure that overt acts of hate and violence would not be neglected within Richland County.
“This is not just about Richland County – this is about standing up for what is right. Full justice should not be predicated upon where you live. I first introduced this ordinance in February, because I wanted all of my constituents to be protected. I represent three municipalities, and they should all have protection,” said Councilwoman Little. “Hate has no home here. We will not wait for the state to act when we have the power and responsibility to protect our community now. Special thank you to my counterparts who believed in the importance of passing this ordinance and a heartfelt thank you to the constituents of Richland County.”
According to the US Department of Justice, in 2023 there were 115 total hate crimes reported in South Carolina, where 49.2% were crimes against persons and 60.9% were motivated by race/ethnicity/ancestry bias. For context, 2021 was the first year that the annual hate crimes statistics were reported entirely through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Data obtained by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department noted that 158 bias-motivated crimes have been reported in Richland County since 2014. (as of February 11, 2025).
“As a lifelong resident and servant of Richland County, this ordinance is long overdue,” said Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, attorney partner, Jabber & Isaac, PA. “Councilwoman Tyra Little has demonstrated what real leadership looks like. Legislation like this is the change we need to bring to the forefront of the state level. This sends a clear message: hate will be met with accountability.”
The ordinance has been made effective immediately.