Lake City politicians unanimously pass hate crime ordinance

LAKE CITY, SC (WMBF) – Representatives from part of Pee Dee have unanimously passed an ordinance to combat hate crimes in the city.

According to a city statement released Wednesday, the Lake City Council passed the second reading of the ordinance during a meeting on Tuesday.

According to the city, “The new ordinance would charge a person with a separate offense if there is an intent to intimidate one or more persons based on the other person or persons' perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical/mental disability, or national origin. This charge would subject individuals to a fine of up to $500 or a jail term of not more than 30 days.”

Lake City, along with other municipalities such as Florence and Myrtle Beach, have passed similar ordinances in recent months.

Meanwhile, South Carolina is one of two states without a statewide hate crimes law.

“I am pleased that this new ordinance has been passed,” Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson said in a statement. “South Carolina is one of only two states that has not passed a hate crimes law. If South Carolina municipalities pass a hate crimes ordinance, it will make it clear to members of the South Carolina Senate that it is imperative that we pass this law in our state.”

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