S.C. House debates bill requiring students to use restrooms based on sex assigned at birth

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina House lawmakers on Wednesday opened debate on a bill that would require public school students to use bathrooms, locker rooms and other facilities that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificates.

Supporters argue the proposal is necessary to ensure student safety and maintain what they describe as common‑sense separation of boys and girls in school facilities. Opponents say the measure targets transgender students and would put them at further risk.

Under the bill, school districts that do not comply could face steep consequences, including a 25% reduction in state funding.

The policy is already in effect under a temporary budget proviso, but the legislation would make it permanent.

Rep. Travis Moore, R‑Spartanburg, noted the existing policy has not resulted in any penalties to date.

“I would remind you that this has been in law by proviso for two years, and we have not had a single school district penalized or withheld funds for compliance,” Moore said.

Rep. Tom Harnett, R‑Charleston, raised concerns about the bill’s impact on adults attending school events, sharing an example involving a longtime friend who transitioned two decades ago.

“I have a friend who did a full transition surgery a little over 20 years ago, and now when she goes to these schools for her children’s or grandchildren’s basketball games — if this bill were to pass — what’s a little old lady doing using the men’s room?” Harnett said.

The Senate is considering a similar measure, which is scheduled for its first hearing this week.

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