LGBTQ Rights

The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.

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What you need to know

30,000

estimated LGBTQ youth ages 13-17 live in SC

68%

of South Carolinians support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people

71%

reduction in severe depression symptoms for transgender teens allowed to use preferred pronouns at home and school

The ACLU of South Carolina works in the legislature, in the courtroom, and in the community to protect and expand the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.

In the Courts

When the state tramples on the rights of its LGBTQ citizens, we are prepared to fight back for equal protection under the law.

In the Legislature

Year after year, South Carolina lawmakers introduce anti-LGBTQ bills focused on censoring discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools, banning access to medically necessary care for transgender youth, and circumventing laws that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. We show up to fight these bills before they can become law.

Visit ACLU's Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Tracker

In The Community

We are proud members of SC United for Justice and Equality. The coalition advocates for the passage of legislation to protect LGBTQ community members and opposes anti-LGBTQ legislation. The coalition also works on intersecting issues of social justice, including racial justice, reproductive justice, voting rights, and health care access.

Take action with SC United

In recent years, anti-LGBTQ lawmakers have devoted much of their focus on taking away the rights of transgender youth and their families. Click here or watch the video below to hear how a cruel legislative session is already affecting one South Carolina family.

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The Latest

News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted dark red and blue.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026

Forcing local cops to do ICE’s dirty work? More attacks on trans youth? Keep your eyes on the Statehouse this week
News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background image of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted orange and red.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026

Here’s how you can show up for housing justice, academic freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights this week
News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome in pink and blue tints.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026

S.C. lawmakers keep attacking the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and students. We have some better ideas for them.
Podcast
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Episode 19: What’s Going On (In the Statehouse)?

South Carolina lawmakers started 2026 with a barrage of bills attacking our reproductive freedom, voting rights, free speech rights, and more. But even on the ugliest days of the legislative session, South Carolinians showed up, spoke out, and wrote in to their lawmakers demanding something better. How do we keep showing up for this work, and just as importantly, why? We get into it with advocacy director Courtney.
Legislation
Jan 14, 2026

Blocking Gender Changes on Birth Certificates (S. 162)

Senate Bill 162 would only allow changes to the gender on a birth certificate within 12 months of a person’s birth. It would also define “gender” in state law to reflect sex assigned at birth, applying a political definition instead of a scientifically accurate one.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 14, 2026

Anti-Trans School Bathroom Policy (S. 199)

Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Classroom Censorship Policy (H. 4757)

This bill would allow parents to exempt their children from any classroom instruction in a public school if it conflicts with their “beliefs or practices regarding sex, morality, or religion.” It would also forbid classroom discussions of "gender roles or stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation” unless a teacher gives parents five days' advance notice and receives affirmative consent from the parents.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Anti-Trans School Bathroom Policy (H. 4756)

This bill would discriminate against transgender students in South Carolina public schools and universities by requiring them to use restrooms and changing facilities that do not match their gender.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose