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 under the South Carolina Human Affairs Law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, while limiting the liability of educational organizations in specific circumstances related to discrimination claims.

Furthermore, the bill makes conforming changes to existing laws regarding unlawful employment practices, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. It clarifies that employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations are not required to provide preferential treatment based on these characteristics due to demographic imbalances and allows for hiring preferences for veterans and their spouses. The act also ensures equal access to housing transactions and services, mandates non-discrimination in home health agencies and hospices, and emphasizes the right to enjoy public accommodations without discrimination. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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