H.4463, H.4485, H.4533, H.4439, H.4618 and S.915 are hate crime laws that impose additional penalties on criminals who committed a violent or threatening act against an individual, because of the individual’s race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. First, hate crime laws violate freedom of speech by punishing an individual not for something he or she did, but for something felt or thought or said. Second, the federal government already has hate crime laws; state equivalents would be redundant.
By South Carolina Policy Council
Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.