Bill banning transgender youth transitional care advances

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — At this hour we’ve learned that one of the first items on this years legislative session to ban transgender youth from accessing transitional related healthcare has advanced in the House.

According to SC United for Justice & Equality Coalition, House Bill 4624 was advanced by the Medical and Health Affairs Subcommittee Tuesday night.  The bill would impact any South Carolinian under the age of 18 from being able to get puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery. Furthermore the bill would also make it illegal to use public funds for gender transition and would include penalties for those who offer that access.

Jace Woodrum, the Executive Director for the ACLU of South Carolina was one of 49 people who testified against the measure and responded to ABC Columbia Tuesday night saying in part,  ” It is heartbreaking that even after such powerful testimony lawmakers still voted to advance such a divisive bill that cruelly targets children.”

Those opposed to the bill plan to rally at the statehouse tomorrow morning at 10:30 am after the House Committee adjourns Wednesday. The group says they will gather along the steps overlooking the courtyard along the Pendleton side of the State House.