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 include characteristics such as skin color, facial features, hair texture, and natural hairstyles. Additionally, it expands the definition of discrimination under the South Carolina Human Affairs Law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and it limits the liability of educational organizations in certain circumstances related to discrimination claims. Key amendments include the addition of new sections addressing discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and school administrative matters, as well as revisions to clarify definitions and expand the scope of unlawful employment practices.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations are not required to grant preferential treatment based on demographic imbalances and specifies that certain age-based actions are lawful if they are bona fide occupational qualifications or part of seniority systems. It also emphasizes that home health agencies and hospices must not discriminate based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, or source of payment, and affirms that all individuals are entitled to full and equal enjoyment of 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