News Summary
The Spartanburg City Council held discussions on a proposed hate crimes ordinance aimed at addressing the lack of statewide hate crime penalties in South Carolina. With support from local advocacy groups and council members, the ordinance seeks to enhance diversity and inclusion in the city. More endorsements have emerged, indicating strong community backing. While no official timeline for the ordinance’s passage has been set, discussions are expected to continue, particularly as the fifth anniversary of the city’s equity pledge approaches.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The Spartanburg City Council convened on August 25 to deliberate on a proposed hate crimes ordinance, which has garnered increasing local support. The ordinance aims to address the significant absence of hate crime penalties at the state level, as currently South Carolina is one of only two states in the U.S. without a statewide hate crimes law, the other being Wyoming.
The key proponents of the ordinance include the Spartanburg Initiative for Racial Equity Now (SIREN), whose Secretary, Colby King, underscored the necessity of implementing this ordinance amidst ongoing national conversations about racial equity. The proposed ordinance seeks not just to establish legal repercussions for hate crimes, but also to reinforce Spartanburg’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Jason Spencer, the chairman of SIREN, articulated that the ordinance is essential for reflecting the city’s values and addressing societal issues that have surfaced, particularly regarding the perceived attacks on diversity and inclusion policies at the national level. This proposed measure follows the city of Spartanburg’s previous resolution for racial equity entitled “Healing, Reconciling, and Unity. A Pathway to a More Equitable Spartanburg,” which was passed in the fall of 2020.
Leading the council in support of the ordinance is Councilwoman Meghan Smith, who believes that its passage will align with the city’s commitment to equity. Moreover, she posits that the ordinance could positively impact economic development by signaling to potential businesses the city’s strong values against hate and bigotry.
Support for the hate crimes ordinance has intensified, receiving endorsements from various influential local figures, including State Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, the city’s public safety committee, and the League of Women Voters of Spartanburg County. Although there is currently no timeline for the ordinance’s official passage, the approaching fifth anniversary of the city’s equity pledge in late September may motivate the council to expedite the process.
Some preparatory work for the ordinance has already been completed. Notably, the Spartanburg Police Department already tracks crimes involving bias components. SIREN has developed a draft of the ordinance, drawing inspiration from successful legislation enacted in other cities, which includes provisions against the distribution of hate literature. This draft is expected to be reviewed and revised by city staff before it is presented formally for consideration by the city council.
Mayor Jerome Rice has indicated interest in learning more about the ordinance, while Councilwoman Erica Brown has expressed her support for Spartanburg to join other cities in enacting similar laws. The current election season may add urgency to the discussion, as four council members are up for reelection, with only Mayor Rice and Councilman Jamie Fulmer facing challengers. This election context could increase pressure on council members to act decisively on the ordinance.
As the council continues its discussions, Councilwoman Smith accentuates the importance of passing the ordinance while existing council members are still in office, in order to maintain continuity and oversight moving forward. It remains to be seen how the ongoing deliberations will unfold in the coming weeks as the city grapples with the implications and potential impacts of this significant legislative proposal.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg City Hate Crimes Ordinance
- WYFF4: South Carolina Hate Crime Bill 2025
- WSPA: South Carolina Hate Crime Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime
- Google Search: Spartanburg Hate Crimes Ordinance
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
