COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gang members would face stiffer penalties under a bill that cleared a Senate Judiciary subcommittee Thursday.

The bill defines a gang as a group of five or more people who intend to break the law and provides penalties of up to $10,000 and 10 years in prison if a firearm is used to intimidate people to join a gang.

It has the support of Columbia Mayor Bob Coble and Columbia Police Chief Dean Crisp. They were among about 30 people at the meeting, including members of the Carolina Vets, Abate and Sundowners motorcycle clubs.

Those groups say the bill stereotypes their organizations by referring to "outlaw motorcycle gangs."

"I am, under the language of (the State Law Enforcement Division), an active gang member," said Gene Norton of the Carolina Vets Motorcycle Club.

Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, he would consider taking out the word "motorcycle," but added that it was put in to distinguish between motorcycle gangs and motorcycle clubs.

"I'm a member of Abate myself," said Knotts , who has tried to pass the legislation for the past six years. "Certainly you wouldn't think I would put a bill in to make myself a gang member."

The bill now goes before the full Judiciary Committee.