October 17, 2025

Spartanburg City Council Approves Hate Crime Ordinance

News Summary

The Spartanburg City Council has unanimously passed a hate crime ordinance to impose stricter penalties for crimes motivated by bias, including ethnicity, race, and religion. The ordinance introduces an additional misdemeanor charge of ‘hate intimidation’ and seeks to enhance protection for marginalized communities. While some community members support the ruling, others have raised concerns about free speech and its potential conflict with state law. This decision marks Spartanburg as the 23rd locality in South Carolina to adopt such legislation amid ongoing national discussions on hate crime laws.

Spartanburg City Council approved a hate crime ordinance on October 13, 2025, aiming to set enhanced penalties for crimes driven by specific biases such as ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and physical or mental disability. The decision was unanimous, marking Spartanburg as the 23rd local government in South Carolina to adopt such legislation amidst ongoing debates about the necessity of a statewide hate crime law.

The newly approved ordinance imposes an additional misdemeanor charge of “hate intimidation” for individuals convicted of underlying crimes motivated by hate. Penalties for these offenses can include up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. City attorney Bob Coler stated that the judges would maintain discretion in sentencing those convicted under this ordinance.

Notably, the ordinance differs from its original version by removing a clause that would have allowed for suspended sentences based on the completion of educational or community service programs. This adjustment has addressed concerns that the ordinance could facilitate government-run educational programs, which had raised some apprehensions among community members.

Concerns surrounding the ordinance also revolved around the potential infringement on free speech rights. The council emphasized that the ordinance only applies in cases where a crime is committed with hate as the motivating factor, and thus would not penalize individuals for their speech alone.

Public reaction has shown a community divided on matters of hate and public safety. Some residents expressed worries regarding the presence of hate groups in South Carolina and underscored the importance of having legislation in place to protect vulnerable populations.

The discussion around local hate crime ordinances has gained additional complexity following an opinion issued by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on October 10, 2025. Wilson raised questions about the legality of such local ordinances, suggesting they may conflict with existing state law and the First Amendment. However, Coler confidently disagreed, stating that the Spartanburg ordinance is legally sound and would hold up against any potential legal challenges, primarily due to the absence of conflicting state laws.

The passage of the ordinance highlights the ongoing tension within the community as it navigates issues of safety and inclusivity. While some residents have welcomed the ruling as a step toward protecting marginalized groups, others remain cautious, fearing potential repercussions for free expression. The city council conducted extensive public comments, allowing both supporters and opponents of the ordinance to voice their opinions before the unanimous decision was reached.

As campaigns for hate crime legislation gain traction across the nation, Spartanburg’s move sheds light on a critical conversation taking place not only in South Carolina but also across various local governments in the country. The enactment of this ordinance signifies an ongoing commitment to addressing issues related to hate crimes and their impact on communities and individuals.

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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.