Sun Sep 07 06:33:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewritten from it:
**Summary:**
The article discusses the lack of a state-level hate crime law in South Carolina, despite repeated attempts to pass such legislation. It focuses on the story of Jarvis McKenzie, a Black man who was shot at in what police deemed a hate crime. South Carolina is one of only two states without a hate crime law. Although some local governments have passed ordinances, they carry limited penalties. Supporters of a state law argue it’s necessary to protect marginalized groups and send a message that hate-motivated crimes will not be tolerated. Opponents claim existing assault laws are sufficient and that a hate crime law would further divide the state, arguing there is a federal hate crime law in place. The debate is particularly contentious following the 2015 Charleston church massacre, and frustrations are mounting as the bill continues to stall in the Senate.
**News Article:**
**South Carolina Still Lags Behind on Hate Crime Law, Years After Charleston Tragedy**
**COLUMBIA, SC – September 7, 2025** – Despite years of advocacy following the tragic 2015 Charleston church shooting and mounting pressure from businesses and local governments, South Carolina remains one of only two states without a statewide hate crime law. The debate flared again recently after Jarvis McKenzie, a Black man from Richland County, was targeted in a racially motivated shooting.
McKenzie recounted the harrowing incident, where a man fired a rifle over his head while yelling racial slurs, at a recent press conference. The incident, deemed a hate crime by local police, has reignited the push for legislation that would add stiffer penalties for crimes motivated by hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that I get up every morning, standing there not knowing if he had seen me before,” McKenzie said.
Richland County has its own hate crime ordinance, and the suspect in McKenzie’s shooting faces charges. However, penalties are limited to misdemeanor charges. A proposed state law would enhance penalties for violent crimes motivated by hate, but the bill has repeatedly stalled in the South Carolina Senate.
Supporters argue that the lack of a state law sends a dangerous message. “The subliminal message says if you’re racist and you want to commit a crime and target somebody for their race… you can do it here,” stated McKenzie’s attorney, Tyler Bailey.
Opponents, including some Republican Senators, contend that existing assault laws are sufficient and that a hate crime law would be divisive. Senator Shane Massey argued on the Senate floor, “It is bad policy not because people support hate but because it furthers division.”
Governor Henry McMaster also expressed concerns that a hate crime law would require investigators to delve into suspects’ motivations, potentially policing speech. However, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said that a hate crime law is a matter of “common sense” and is needed to provide greater protection for everyone. “I think it’s very important that we protect everybody. My race, your race, everybody’s race, your religion, there needs to be some protection for that. That’s what our Constitution gives us,” the sheriff said.
The stalemate has frustrated Democrats in the Senate, who point out the disparity between the swift consideration of enhanced penalties for attacks on healthcare workers or police dogs and the continued inaction on hate crimes. The future of the proposed hate crime law remains uncertain as it continues to languish in the Senate.
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