The "Uniform Antidiscrimination Act" seeks to strengthen anti-discrimination protections in South Carolina by amending various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The bill introduces new provisions that prohibit discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and educational settings based on race, color, or national origin, while also defining these terms to encompass characteristics such as skin color, facial features, hair texture, and natural hairstyles. Additionally, it expands the definition of "discrimination" within the South Carolina Human Affairs Law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and it limits the liability of employers and educational organizations under certain circumstances.

Key amendments include the addition of new sections addressing unlawful discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and school administrative matters, as well as revisions to clarify definitions and expand the scope of unlawful employment practices. The bill emphasizes that employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations are not required to grant preferential treatment based on demographic imbalances and allows for certain age-related employment practices. It also ensures that home health agencies and hospices cannot discriminate based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, or source of payment, reinforcing the right to equal access to public accommodations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 31-21-65, 45-9-11, 59-63-41, 1-13-20, 1-13-30, 1-13-80, 1-32-60, 31-21-40, 31-21-50, 31-21-60, 44-69-80, 44-71-90, 45-9-10
Latest Version: 31-21-65, 45-9-11, 59-63-41, 1-13-20, 1-13-30, 1-13-80, 1-32-60, 31-21-40, 31-21-50, 31-21-60, 44-69-80, 44-71-90, 45-9-10