Bill Aims to Protect Children; Faces Criticism for Potential Harm to Transgender Youth

Two new bills officially signed into law at Spartanburg Ceremony

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster presided over a ceremonial signing at First Baptist North Church in Spartanburg on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The event marked the adoption of two bills whose proponents assert aim to safeguard young people in the state: House Bill 4624, also known as the Help Not Harm Bill, and House Bill 3424, the Child Online Safety Act.

Details on the Bill

The signed House Bill 4624 invokes a ban on certain forms of medical intervention for transgender youth, effectively putting a stop to puberty blocking treatments and hormone therapy. Beyond this, performing gender reassignment surgery on individuals younger than 18 is declared a felony under the new legislation.

Additionally, the House Bill 3424, mirrors a law already in place in Louisiana, imposing restrictions on minors’ access to pornographic websites by mandating an age verification process. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in punitive measures such as nominal and actual damages, court costs, injunctions, and reasonable attorney fees as dictated by the court order.

Legislative Response

Legislators like state Rep. David Hiott and Rep. Travis Moore, who were instrumental in the bill’s passage, have expressed their belief that these measures are necessary for the welfare of South Carolina’s children. They maintain that such widespread issues demand intervention from the state to effectively protect the youth.

Criticism and Concerns

While the lawmakers affirm the bills’ intent to protect children, critics argue that their impacts may be harmful, particularly for transgender youth. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential for forced outing and the danger this presents for children who might not be ready to tell their parents about their transgender identity.

Local advocates, including Jodi Snyder and Amberlyn Boiter, have spoken out against the Help, Not Harm Bill, branding it as an attack on families and transgender children. The rise in suicidal ideations and an increased need for mental health services among LGBTQ youth since the bill’s introduction highlights their concerns.

Possible Legal Challenges Ahead

Organizations such as the Campaign for Southern Equality and Planned Parenthood are considering challenging the legislation in court, amidst ongoing legal battles over similar laws in states like Tennessee and Kentucky. These organizations are also working to ensure access to out-of-state medical care for transgender youths affected by the new law.

Effects of the New Laws

Although intended to protect and safeguard children, the potential implications of such legislative measures on transgender youth can be complex and far-reaching. As South Carolina progresses with these new laws, the state will need to balance child protection aims with the needs and rights of transgender youth, who are also deserving of consideration, support, and care.