Irmo, SC, September 18, 2025

News Summary

Irmo, South Carolina, has passed a hate intimidation ordinance with unanimous support from the town council. The measure aims to outlaw hate-motivated crimes based on various identity categories, imposing penalties including jail time and fines. Local officials stress that this proactive approach is essential for community safety amid ongoing discussions about the lack of a statewide hate crime law in South Carolina.

Irmo, SC Passes Hate Intimidation Ordinance as Local Response to Statewide Law Absence

The town of Irmo has officially passed a hate intimidation ordinance, becoming one of roughly two dozen municipalities in South Carolina to enact similar measures. The ordinance received unanimous approval (5-0) from council members during a regular meeting held on Tuesday night.

This new ordinance aims to outlaw crimes that are motivated by bias or hate based on various identity categories, including race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or national origin. As part of this ordinance, the maximum penalties for violations could involve a 30-day jail sentence and fines reaching up to $1,000.

Mayor Bill Danielson highlighted the significance of the ordinance, asserting that Irmo is taking a firm stand against hate crimes. In addition, Irmo Councilman Gabriel Penfield expressed concerns regarding community safety associated with hate crimes. However, local officials have noted that the ordinance is a proactive measure rather than a direct response to a specific issue in the town.

Among the supporters of this ordinance is Irmo Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman, who played a pivotal role in proposing the measure. She emphasized the need for comprehensive protections across the town’s diverse community. Community members, including residents such as Joanna Chaney, have also expressed strong support for the initiative, perceiving it as a necessary action amidst a backdrop of rising hate incidents.

Efforts to establish a statewide hate crime law in South Carolina have stalled, leaving the state as one of only two in the nation without such a law, alongside Wyoming. While a hate crime measure has previously passed the House, it remains unaddressed in the Senate. With this local ordinance, Irmo supports the prosecution of any “hate materials or writings” within its jurisdiction, working towards a safer community for all residents.

The passing of this ordinance positions Irmo alongside other jurisdictions, including Richland and Orangeburg Counties, which have enacted similar hate crime measures in the bid to ensure safety and support for all community members.

Key Features of the Ordinance

• Identifies hate crimes based on various identity categories.
• Maximum penalty: 30-day jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.
• Proactive measure not in response to specific incidents.
• Supports prosecution of hate materials or writings.
• Unanimously approved by the town council.

Background Context

As noted earlier, South Carolina is currently one of two states in the United States without a statewide hate crime law. The lack of state-level protections has driven local governments to take action in the hope of safeguarding their communities from such crimes. The Irmo city council’s recent decision reflects an ongoing concern among residents and local leaders about the necessity for rule enforcement that addresses the safety and dignity of marginalized groups.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Hate Crime
• WIS TV
• Google Search: Hate intimidation ordinances
• WLTX
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. 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.