The South Carolina Senate has passed a bill restricting transgender students’ access to bathrooms and locker rooms, advancing it to the GOP-controlled House. The proposal passed in a 35-2 vote, with two Democratic senators opposing it. The legislation would apply to public K-12 schools and colleges, requiring multi-user restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities to be used based on sex assigned at birth.
Schools must offer alternative options, such as single-occupancy restrooms, for students unable or unwilling to comply. The measure also includes enforcement provisions that could reduce state funding for noncompliant school districts. Supporters describe the bill as a privacy safeguard, while opponents argue it could stigmatize transgender students and increase risks of harassment or forced outing.
The vote reflects a broader national trend, as Republican-led states increasingly regulate access to everyday spaces like bathrooms and dorms. At least 21 states have enacted similar policies so far. The bill includes limited exceptions, such as for emergencies and single-occupancy facilities. State Representative John King, a Democrat, has raised concerns about the legislation’s intent. He said, “We’re starting the session off with a tone and tenor of picking on transgender people…My concern is that we are in search of a problem that isn’t even there.”
