The bill S. 540 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically Section 63-7-20, to clarify that raising a child in accordance with their biological sex does not constitute child abuse, neglect, or harm. The proposed changes include new provisions that protect parents or guardians who guide, instruct, or raise a child consistent with the child's sex, seek mental healthcare services for the child aligned with their sex, or decline consent for gender transition services. Additionally, the bill stipulates that identifying a child as a victim of trafficking does not imply that the responsible adult has abused or neglected the child.

Furthermore, the bill introduces protections for adoption agencies, foster care providers, and adoptive and foster parents, ensuring that the state cannot take discriminatory actions against them based on their religious beliefs or practices related to child-rearing. It also allows individuals to assert claims against the state for violations of these protections in judicial or administrative proceedings. The bill emphasizes the importance of considering a child's best interests in custody decisions while ensuring that actions consistent with a sincerely held religious belief are not deemed contrary to the child's welfare.

Statutes affected:
04/03/2025: 63-7-20
Latest Version: 63-7-20