SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) -- The "Hate Intimidation" ordinance passed unanimously during the Spartanburg City Council meeting on Monday.

The second reading of the ordinance immediately went into effect after passing.

The hate crime law adds a new section, Hate Intimidation, to existing city code.

Now, if a person commits a crime in violation of another city code or state statue, with the intent to cause harm to another person or property, because of their ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, they would be guilty of a separate offense: hate intimidation.

Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, with a fine up to $500 and as many as 30 days in jail.

During the city council meeting, Spartanburg City's attorney Robert Coler recommended the removal of the last line in the ordinance

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