SC Equality is a statewide non-partisan coalition of local and state social, religious and political LGBT organizations and allies with a mission to secure civil and human rights.
SC Equality has a number of useful fact sheets that cover LGBT issues.
Relationship Recognition & Protection
Non-Discrimination
Safe & Just Schools
Transgender Inclusion & Protection
Hate Crimes & Violence Prevention
For Parents
Parental Recognition & Protections
According to data from the Movement Advancement Project, 1 in 4 of South Carolina's same-sex couples are raising children -- that is a lot of mothers, fathers, and children who face daily uncertainty. While state's laws simply do not address same-sex couples, there are steps that can be taken to maximize your rights as parents.
- Guardianship Agreement
- Document allows the biological parent to clearly indicate the caregiver of choice in the event that something happens.
- May help prevent conflict among family members
- Gives guidance to the court in the event of a family conflict
- Co-parenting Agreement
- Allows couples to share parental responsibilities of a child when legal adoption is not available.
- Can include:
- Consent for medical care of child
- Proposed Custody Agreement in the event of separation
Same Sex Adoption in South Carolina
An attorney should be consulted to draft these types of agreements.
This information was prepared to give you some general information on the law. It is not intended as legal advice about any particular problem. If you have questions about the law you should consult a lawyer. If you do not know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The number is 799-7100 in Richland or Lexington Counties, and 1-800-868-2284 from other parts of the state.