South Carolina law
Civil Rights Laws in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Human Affairs Law (S.C. Code § 1-13-10 et seq.) is South Carolina's principal civil-rights statute, administered by the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. The Human Affairs Law covers employment, housing, and public accommodations. South Carolina's Fair Housing Law is included within the same framework. South Carolina has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. Federal claims under § 1983, Title VII, ADA, and the Fair Housing Act remain available.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
Discrimination charges must be filed with the SC Human Affairs Commission within 180 days (or 300 days if dual-filed with EEOC).
State law
Key South Carolina Statutes
Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, religion, color, sex, age (40+), national origin, and disability. Applies to employers with 15+ employees.
Prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on protected classes including familial status (added 1989).
South Carolina has NOT added sexual orientation or gender identity as explicit protected classes under state law. Federal Title VII sex discrimination (as extended in Bostock v. Clayton County, 2020) provides federal protection.
South Carolina is one of only 2 states (with Wyoming) without a hate crime statute. Federal hate crime laws (18 U.S.C. § 249) apply.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.
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