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SOUTH CAROLINA HATE CRIME BILL
By a margin of 79-29, the South Carolina State House just passed HB-3620, which would more severely punish crimes that target a protected class. This bill becoming law would remove South Carolina from the ever-shortening list of states without hate crime legislation (only Wyoming and Arkansas otherwise). The above map demonstrates how our state stands out as one of these lowly few. The law would apply to crimes committed against someone based on the person’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. The sexual orientation provisions were originally stripped from the bill, but were added back last month. The bill had also been backed by many organizations and institutions in South Carolina, including the Chamber of Commerce and the University of South Carolina.
The bill will now go onto the State Senate. While this bill is not perfect, it is undeniably a move in the right direction. We should not be one of three states in the whole country without a hate crime law. Therefore, we ask that you all express your support for the passage of this important bill by the State Senate now that the State House has passed it by such an impressive margin.
SCDP: READY TO RUN FOR OFFICE?
If you are interested in making a difference in your community, please take time to consider running for office. The South Carolina Democratic Party has put out a form for individuals to express interest in running. You may think that it is too early to start thinking about this, but electoral success will require carefully laid out plans, which in turn require time. You can access the link via the button below.
LOOKING FOR LEADERS: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Calling all future leaders! Come join our brand new committee. We are the party of inclusion and we want to welcome any new members to join. Our collaborations and teamwork can help turn an idea into action. Discussing current topics that bring more awareness to diversity, and adding fun along the way. Come join us, and let’s make a difference together. If you’re interested, please feel free to email esampson_07@yahoo.com.
PUBLIC HEALTH REMINDER: COVID-19 VACCINE
PLEASE REMEMBER: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has opened up Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all who are at least 16 years old! Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
All meetings until further notice will be conducted “virtually” using Zoom. You can connect by computer or telephone. We will continue to use MobilizeAmerica to RSVP.
| THU APR08 8:30AM | Virtual Coffee with Democrats Join fellow Democrats for a cup of coffee and great conversation. No specific topics. We have been meeting for 13 years and do not want to give it up, so it will be on Zoom until further notice. Virtual Meeting (by computer or phone)Click here to RSVP > |
| MON APR12 6 PM | LWV Good Governance Symposium Series Session 3: Electoral College and Institutional Reforms The third session focuses on another set of timely topics that come with a complicated history but greatly impact the future of our democracy: the Electoral College and institutional reforms.The keynote speaker for the evening is Jordan Ragusa, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of the Political Science Department at the College of Charleston. He will discuss the history of the Electoral College, US Senate, and filibuster and how they function today (and with what consequences on American democracy). Then, Sylvia Bernstein of the LWVUS National Popular Vote Task Force will discuss the national popular vote compact, how it would work, and what it would take to get it enacted. A Q&A with panelists will follow. Please note that this event is virtual. Virtual Event (by computer or phone)Click here to Register > |
| MON APR12 7 PM | West Ashley Democrats Monthly Meeting Come join your fellow West Ashley Democrats for some discussion and camaraderie! Grab your favorite cocktail and settle in as we hear from State Senator Marlon Kimpson about what the SC Senate is up to this month. It’s good to be in the know, and Senator Kimpson will be happy to answer any questions we have for him. Please note that this meeting is virtual. Virtual Meeting (by computer or phone)Click here to RSVP > |
| TUE APR27 7 PM | East Cooper Democrats April Meeting (Virtual) Join the East Cooper Democrats for our April meeting as we discuss local and state issues that we have been following in 2021. We will review which statehouse bills did (or did not) make it in before the crossover date. Virtual Meeting (by computer or phone)Click here to RSVP > |
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER GIVEAWAY
Last week’s question was:
“What is the name of the CCDP committee that we are encouraging individuals to join in this week’s newsletter?”
The correct answer was the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Thank you again to everyone who participated! The winner of the giveaway was Nancy Jo Klug.
Nancy, please reply to this newsletter to claim your prize!
This week’s question is:
“Which member of the SC State Senate is visiting the West Ashley Democrats meeting next Monday?”
Submit your answer HERE and check back next week to see if you’ve won!
Contribute
BUY SOME MERCHANDISE TO SUPPORT CCDP! Please support CCDP (and help elect Democrats) by buying one of our brand new t-shirts water bottles, Koozies, bags, and pint glasses!
BUY SOME COOL STUFF & SUPPORT CCDP
Our mailing address is:
Charleston County Democratic PartyPO Box 21422Charleston, SC 29413-1422
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