CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Rep. Wendell Gilliard criticized House lawmakers Thursday for advancing a series of resolutions to name highways and a bridge after former President Donald Trump and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arguing that the chamber is prioritizing political symbolism over public safety legislation.
This decision represents “a sad day in South Carolina,” Giliard said as the House moved forward with measures to honor Trump and Kirk, while the Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act continues to stall. The lack of progress on the hatecrimes bill reflects misplaced priorities at a time when communities “deserve decisive action against hatred and violence,” Gilliard claimed.
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“Symbolic gestures seem to command more attention than measures designed to protect human life and dignity,” Gilliard added.
Residents routinely seek solutions from elected officials, Gilliard argued, but their trust is too often “redirected toward signage rather than substance.” Some lawmakers, he said, claim they do not hear from constituents, but “the truth is they simply are not listening.”
Gilliard urged South Carolinians to contact their state senators and oppose three pending resolutions. H.4573, H. 4982, and H. 5000, saying leadership should focus on the concerns of the people who sent them to Columbia.
“The people of this state deserve leaders who confront hate, address real issues,” he said, “and remember exactly who sent them here to serve.”
