The "Free to Speak Act" aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding specific provisions regarding the use of pronouns in public schools and institutions of higher learning. It prohibits public school employees from knowingly addressing an unemancipated minor student with a pronoun or title inconsistent with the student's biological sex without written permission from a parent or guardian. Additionally, it protects these employees from adverse employment actions for declining to use such pronouns or for not identifying their own pronouns. Similar protections are extended to employees and students at public institutions of higher learning, ensuring they cannot face disciplinary actions for similar refusals.

The bill also establishes definitions for "sex," "male," and "female" based on immutable biological characteristics. It allows individuals harmed by violations of these provisions to pursue civil action against the respective school district or institution, seeking various forms of relief, including monetary damages and attorney's fees, within a two-year timeframe from the alleged violation. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/06/2025: 59-1-505, 59-101-680
Latest Version: 59-1-505, 59-101-680