FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2024

SENATE REPUBLICANS VOTE TO HELP NOT HARM

COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Thursday, Senate Republicans passed H. 4624, the “Help, Not Harm” bill, ensuring children in South Carolina will not be harmed by experimental, life-altering gender-transition procedures. South Carolina is poised to become the 25th state to enact such protections.

“Children must be left to experience childhood undeterred by the predations of radical gender ideology,” said Senator Danny Verdin, Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and author of the Senate version of the bill.

This common-sense legislation protects minors from dangerous puberty blocking drugs and hormones, as well as sex-reassignment surgeries, and ensures parents are not left in the dark about a child’s transition at school.

“After reviewing the evidence, it’s clear that the gender-affirming model is based on weak research and is not helpful for children experiencing gender dysphoria,” said Senator Richard Cash, who spearheaded the Republican effort.

With today’s vote, Senate Republicans chose to help, not harm.

H. 4624 returns to the House before heading to the Governor’s desk.

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