S.C. Lawmakers Pass Bill Banning Gender Affirming Care For Minors

Gov. McMaster has previously supported the bill stating, "It'll keep our people safe and healthy." The measure now heads to his desk for signature.

The S.C. Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban all gender treatments for minors in the state.

The House created the bill and previously passed it on to the Senate.

The legislation known as the ‘Help Not Harm’ bill, would prohibit minors from undergoing or seeking gender transition treatments.

Any minor who receives treatment before August 1 will be allowed a weaning-off period but all care must end by January 31.

The bill also prevents public funding from being used for gender-affirming care, including coverage such as state medicaid programs.

In addition, under the measure, school officials will have to notify a parent or guardian if a minor identifies as a different gender than assigned at birth or if they request to go by a different pronoun or name.

Gov. McMaster has previously supported the bill stating, “It’ll keep our people safe and healthy.” The measure now heads to his desk for signature.