The "South Carolina Parental Rights to Affirm Biological Sex in Child Welfare and Placement Act" aims to establish legal guidelines regarding the affirmation of a child's biological sex in child welfare proceedings. The bill mandates that courts and agencies consider the affirmation of a child's biological sex as a positive factor in custody and welfare decisions, ensuring that parents and guardians have the right to encourage their children to align with their biological sex. It also stipulates that such affirmation cannot be used against parents in evaluations or custody hearings, and that agencies must not discriminate against foster parents who support this affirmation.

Additionally, the bill requires the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the Family Court system to update their policies accordingly and mandates annual reports to the General Assembly on the implementation of these provisions. It explicitly states that refusal to support medical procedures aimed at altering a child's biological sex cannot be deemed as evidence of abuse or neglect. The act emphasizes the state's right to prioritize its child welfare standards over conflicting federal guidelines regarding gender identity affirmation.

Statutes affected:
01/16/2025: 63-7-50
Latest Version: 63-7-50