South Carolina will remain one of the few states without a hate crime law after a proposal to study such legislation failed in the state Senate, despite renewed attention to rising hate crime reports and years of repeated attempts in the General Assembly.[…]

At a recent Republican gubernatorial debate, most candidates publicly opposed passing a hate crime law.

Republican Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg said such legislation could infringe on religious liberty.

“I will never pass a bill that’s going to restrict religious liberty,” Kimbrell said.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., was more direct.

“Should we pass a hate crimes law? Absolutely not,” Norman said.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said she also opposes such legislation, noting she and Gov. Henry McMaster have discussed the issue for years.

“I would not support a hate crime bill,” Evette said.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., questioned the concept itself.

“There is no such thing as a hate crime, because every crime is a hate crime,” Mace said.

Attorney General Alan Wilson echoed similar concerns, saying he would oppose any bill he believes limits constitutional rights.

“As governor, I will never support a bill that criminalizes your free speech,” Wilson said.

Lowcountry businessman Rom Reddy criticized political leaders broadly, arguing the issue is fueled by division.

“All this division and hate is created by the political class because that’s what gives them all the power they have,” Reddy said.