Equality Brief: Edition 5
Welcome back to The Equality Brief
Welcome! The Equality Brief is your go-to source for updates on LGBTQ+ advocacy in South Carolina. This week, we’re sharing a powerful interview with AFFA’s leadership and continuing the fight against censorship and anti-equity legislation.
Action Alert: Oppose H.3927 – Now in the Senate
Last week, H.3927 - officially titled the “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act” - passed the South Carolina House 82 to 32 and now moves to the Senate.
This anti-DEI bill would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across public schools, colleges, and state agencies. It bans public institutions from maintaining DEI offices, staff, or training, and would restrict conversations about race, gender, sexual orientation, and systemic inequity—even in educational settings.
A last-minute amendment brought the bill back to its most extreme version, aligning it with federal Executive Order 14173 and adding language to prevent state agencies from working with companies or organizations that have DEI policies. The bill passed without a fiscal impact statement.
Take action now: Write a letter to South Carolina Senators urging them to reject H.3927. Let’s push back on this dangerous legislation before it advances any further.
Book Ban Pushback: A Pause, But Not a Win
Last week, South Carolina nearly became the top state in the nation for banned books. Ten more titles were slated for removal under Regulation 43-170, which bans any content describing sexual conduct from all K–12 classrooms and libraries.
After significant public backlash, the State Board of Education paused the bans and signaled interest in revisiting the policy. This is a critical moment to push for meaningful change.
Contact the State Board of Education here.
New Bills Targeting Trans South Carolinians
With only five weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers are rushing to file bills that preview what may come in 2026. Among them are:
Senate Bill 540, which aims to protect so-called “conversion therapy” practices by shielding parents and guardians from legal consequences for seeking such harmful services.
House Bill 4302, which would require foster youth to be housed based strictly on the sex listed on their original birth certificate.
These bills continue a pattern of anti-trans legislation. Neither has been scheduled for a committee hearing yet - but we’re watching closely.
More information and action items will follow in upcoming updates.
Leadership in Focus: Colleen Condon on Visibility and Advocacy
AFFA Action Board Member, Colleen Condon, recently sat down for an interview with The Letterhack to discuss what visibility, community, and advocacy mean in today’s political climate. Their reflections underscore the importance of showing up - for ourselves and each other - especially when our rights are under attack. You can watch the excerpt of the recent live stream here.
Stay Connected
Be informed – Follow AFFA and our advocacy partners for the latest updates.
Take action – Call your representatives, attend advocacy events, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Support one another – Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Get involved – Volunteer with AFFA, donate, and be a part of the movement.
A Final Note
In every conversation, every action, and every policy fight, we are reminded that this work is bigger than any one person or issue. It’s about building a state that reflects and protects all of us. Whether you're volunteering, testifying, or staying informed, thank you for being part of this work.
Let’s keep going - and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
In solidarity,
The AFFA Action Team
