South Carolina

Relationship Recognition Information

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None.

  • 1996 Anti-marriage bill adopted. House Bill 4502 introduced by Rep. Simrill (R) on January 25, 1996. Provides that same-sex couples’ marriages performed in other states are not valid or recognized in South Carolina. Passed House. Senate Bill 1151 passed by Senate. Signed by Governor Beaseley (R) May 20, 1996. See South Carolina Code § 20-1-15.

Employment Information

Statewide Employment Protections
no Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
no Private employment protections based on gender identity.
no Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
- Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

See S.C. Code Ann. § 1-13-80 (2001) and S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-40 (2001).

Parenting Information

Statewide Parenting Laws
Who May Adopt Any person. SC Laws § 20-7-1680.
Second Parent Adoptions Not yet permitted.
Notes Conservative legal climate but some favorable appellate decisions on child custody or visitation.

Cases

Dunbar v. Foot Locker, Inc.
Case arguing that Foot Locker failed to protect one of its employees from severe antigay harassment and discrimination in the workplace

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