S.162 would make it nearly impossible for trans South Carolinians to update the gender marker on identity documents.
- James Agens
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee hearing is happening soon—and lawmakers need to hear from constituents before the meeting.
Hearing Details
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 9:00 AM (hearing starts)
Location: Gressette Building, Room 105
Primary Call to Action Button: Take Action: Email the Committee (Action Network)Button link: https://scequality.salsalabs.org/protecttranssouthcaroliniansnotos162/index.html
What S.162 Would Do
S.162 is a harmful bill that would make it impossible for most trans South Carolinians to update the gender marker on identity documents.
The bill would only allow changes in two extremely limited situations:
A clerical error, or
Within the first 12 months after birth if an error was made for an intersex infant.
This means that for most people, a South Carolina birth certificate could not be corrected—and without an updated birth certificate, other identity documents (like a driver’s license) can be impossible to update as well.
Why This Matters
When someone’s ID doesn’t match who they are, it increases the risk of:
Harassment and discrimination
Being denied services
Unsafe encounters and increased vulnerability to violence
Mismatched documents can create barriers in everyday life—especially when applying for jobs, housing, education, or government services.
S.162 would codify those barriers into law, putting trans and intersex South Carolinians at greater risk.
Take Action Today
1) Email the Senate Medical Affairs Committee (Fast + Powerful)
Use this Action Network tool to contact committee members and tell them to VOTE NO on S.162.
➡️ Take Action Here: https://scequality.salsalabs.org/protecttranssouthcaroliniansnotos162/index.html
2) Pack the Room: Show Up on February 12
Visibility matters. We need supporters to attend and show lawmakers that South Carolinians are paying attention—and won’t stand by while harmful legislation moves forward.
Hearing Details
Thursday, February 12
9:00 AM
Gressette Building, Room 105
Tip: Arrive early for seating and to get through security.
3) Call Your Senator (Optional but Impactful)
If you’re a constituent, a quick call can make a real difference.
Call Script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m one of your constituents in [DISTRICT/CITY].I’m calling to urge you to vote NO on S.162. This bill will prevent birth certificates from being updated and accurate, blocking individuals from obtaining important identity documents like a license. The bill also directly targets intersex people by placing a restrictive 12 month-since-birth timeline, which is based on outdated medical information.
S.162 will directly cause harm by perpetuating existing discrimination against trans and intersex individuals. Mismatched documents increase the risk of harassment especially when accessing job applications, housing, education and governmental services.
I ask you to lead with compassion and empathy for the individuals who will be impacted by this legislation. Let’s work together to create a South Carolina that embraces the identities of all its residents.
Please vote NO on S.162 to show that all South Carolinians deserve dignity and basic bodily autonomy.Thank you for taking my call.
Spread the Word
Share this link with friends, family, and community members—and encourage them to take action today.
Suggested Social Copy (short):
📣 ACTION ALERT: Tell lawmakers NO on S.162. This bill would make it nearly impossible for trans South Carolinians to update gender markers on identity documents.Send a message today: https://scequality.salsalabs.org/protecttranssouthcaroliniansnotos162/index.html and join us Thursday, Feb. 12 at 9 AM (Gressette Room 105).
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