Legislative Session Weekly Update, February 11-13
This past week was business as usual in the General Assembly, with numerous committee meetings and no major debates on either the House or Senate floor. However, WREN was busy supporting our partners to advocate for economic justice and reproductive freedom.
The Week in Review (February 11-13):
We joined fellow members of the SC United for Justice and Equality coalition to stand against Senate Bill 240 in the Senate Child Welfare Subcommittee. This bill seeks to enforce a narrow definition of gender by encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce only the gender assigned at birth, requiring courts to view this as a positive factor in child welfare decisions. It also allows parents to deny a child access to gender-affirming medical care without penalties.
At WREN, we believe all children deserve to grow up in safe and loving environments where they are supported for who they are. This bill does the opposite – it prioritizes a political agenda over the needs of vulnerable youth, disregards established medical expertise and limits the ability of families and professionals to provide the best possible care. To urge your legislators to vote against this legislation, please use this link from our partners at the Alliance for Full Acceptance.
WREN staff also attended the South Carolina Supreme Court hearing on Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit challenging the state’s abortion ban. As part of our commitment to reproductive rights, we proudly stand with the plaintiffs in this important case and submitted an amicus brief in support. The court is expected to make a decision in the coming months on how the law should be interpreted. Until then, WREN will continue to fight for unrestricted access to abortion, including mobilizing against Senate Bill 323, which would not only criminalize abortions, but would also silence physicians, organizations or individuals who seek to provide abortions or even tell someone what their options are. If you have not already, please use this link to contact your local legislators and tell them to oppose this dangerous total abortion ban bill.
Moving Forward:
WREN is grateful that Senator Tom Davis added his name as a co-sponsor for one of our priority bills, Senate Bill 11, which would provide six weeks of paid family leave to all SC State employees, including those in grant funded positions. Sign our petition here to support us in the fight for paid family leave!
This Week (February 18 – February 20):
The House Ways and Means Committee will continue to have budget hearings. We will continue to monitor developments, advocate for critical issues, and keep you informed as the session unfolds.
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.