South Carolina Anti-Trans Bills. Two Bills. One Harmful Agenda. Why We Must Stop S.199 and H.4756.
- James Agens
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Why South Carolina Anti-Trans Bills S.199 and H.4756 Must Be Stopped
South Carolina lawmakers are advancing two nearly identical bills — one in the House and one in the Senate — that would harm transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students across our state.
These bills, S.199 in the Senate and H.4756 in the House, are companion bills. That means they originate in different chambers but aim to accomplish the same thing. If either bill passes, it would fundamentally change how public schools and colleges treat transgender students — putting their safety, dignity, and well-being at risk.
SC Equality is calling on our community to take action now.
What Do These Bills Do?
Both S.199 and H.4756 target transgender youth in public K–12 schools and public colleges
and universities. If passed, these bills would:
Restrict multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and changing facilities based on a person’s so-called “biological sex at birth”
Define sex strictly as male or female, ignoring medical consensus and lived reality
Apply these restrictions to overnight trips, school events, and campus housing, including sleeping quarters
Allow individuals to sue schools or colleges if they believe someone is “of the opposite sex” in a restroom or changing facility
Impose severe financial penalties, including the potential loss of 25% of certain state funding for schools or colleges that don’t comply
These bills do not solve a real problem. There is no evidence of widespread safety or privacy issues in South Carolina schools that justify this kind of legislation.
Who Is Harmed — and Why It Matters
While these bills explicitly target transgender students, their impact would be far broader.
Policies like this invite surveillance, suspicion, and harassment. They encourage people to question others’ bodies and identities and force schools to act as gender police. Cisgender girls and women — especially those who don’t conform to rigid gender stereotypes — are also at increased risk of being questioned or harassed.
At their core, these bills send a dangerous message: that some students are less deserving of dignity, safety, and belonging.
That is not who we are — and it cannot be the future we allow.
Why Both Bills Matter Right Now
Because these are companion bills, both must be stopped.
Even if one bill stalls, the other can continue moving. That’s why lawmakers need to hear from us loudly and repeatedly — in committee rooms, in inboxes, and in public view.
Visibility matters. Silence gives space for harm.
How You Can Take Action Today
No matter your capacity, there is a way for you to help.
Send a message opposing S.199 to the Senate Education Committee
Personal messages make a difference. Lawmakers track constituent contacts closely — especially when bills are moving quickly.
Show Up at the State House
If you are able to attend the committee hearing, your presence matters. Filling the room sends a powerful message: our community is watching, organized, and not backing down.
You do not have to testify to make an impact. Simply showing up in solidarity with trans youth and their families is meaningful.
10:00 am -- Gressette Room 308 -- Senate Education Subcommittee
Testify (If You’re Able)
If you feel comfortable speaking, we need voices from across South Carolina. Testimony does not need to be perfect — it needs to be honest.
Helpful tips:
Introduce yourself
Clearly state whether you oppose the bill
Share 1–3 reasons why
Restate your opposition before closingTestimony is limited to three minutes.
If you can’t attend in person, you can still stay engaged by watching the committee hearing live. Sharing the livestream with friends and family helps spread awareness and accountability.
Spread the Word
Share this action alert with your networks. Talk to friends, classmates, coworkers, and family members. The more people who know what’s happening, the harder it is for lawmakers to quietly pass harmful legislation.
You Are Not Alone
We know this is exhausting. These attacks are frequent and intentional. But our community has stopped harmful bills before — and we can do it again.
When we show up together, speak out, and refuse to be erased, we make change.
Take action today. Stand with transgender youth. Stand with SC Equality.
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