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Tag: Child Safety

SC Republicans cheer as gender-transition care ban for minors upheld by Supreme Court

By Julia Johnson, originally published June 18, 2025 by Spectrum News

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican officials in South Carolina are celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday to uphold a Tennessee law barring transgender treatments for minors.

“This ruling is a major victory for South Carolina and the entire country. Protecting our children from irreversible gender-transition procedures should not be controversial — it’s common sense,” Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., wrote on X.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, R-S.C. echoed this sentiment, writing, “Amen! Protecting our kids and America’s future generations is a non-negotiable.”

The court ruled in favor of Tennessee by a margin of 6-3 in the decision.

Attorney General Alan Wilson shared his satisfaction with the ruling, saying in a statement, “Today’s decision affirms what we’ve long argued that there is no constitutional right to subject children to life-altering, experimental medical interventions.”

The Senate Republican Caucus was similarly pleased, sharing a celebratory press release.

“We knew this issue would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, and today’s decision is exactly what we hoped and prayed for,” said Senator Danny Verdin, R-Laurens.  “The facade of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ is collapsing as Americans begin to see this ideology for what it really is: dangerous.”

Verdin is the Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and authored the Senate version of the “Help not Harm” bill prohibiting transgender treatment for minors, which was signed into law by McMaster in May of 2024.

The law was in legal limbo as parties awaited the outcome of Tennessee’s case before the Supreme Court.

McMaster previously led nine other Republican governors in an October amicus brief supporting Tennessee in the United States v. Skrmetti—the case concerning its restrictions on gender-related treatments for transgender minors.

In the court’s opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, he explained, “This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound.”

But, he maintained, the job of the court was solely to determine whether the Equal Protection Clause was violated.

Meanwhile, advocates with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) voiced their disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Today the Supreme Court told Tennessee transgender youth and their families that they cannot access healthcare that is vitally important for a successful life,” said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Tennessee. “This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare, and a class of people who do not. We will continue to stand with transgender people in Tennessee and are committed to realizing a world where all people belong, are valued, and can access the necessary healthcare they need.”

‘You will not get away with it’: S.C. cracks down on revenge porn and AI deepfakes

Buy Meghan Gonyo, originally posted May 29, 2025 by ABC News 4

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — South Carolina has taken a significant step in addressing the growing issue of explicit images shared online, including those created with artificial intelligence. Governor Henry McMaster signed the Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act into law on Thursday, making it a felony to distribute real or AI-generated intimate images without consent.

The new legislation aims to tackle the problem of revenge porn and deep fakes, which have become increasingly prevalent. State Representative Brandon Guffey, who lost his 17-year-old son, Gavin, to an online sextortion scheme, was a strong advocate for the law. “If he knew that there was a way to ensure that these images would not stay out there, than maybe he wouldn’t have ended up taking his life,” Guffey said.

The law, which took three years to pass, updates a previous statute from 1996 and imposes stricter penalties. First-time offenders could face up to five years in prison, while repeat offenders may receive up to ten years. “The important thing was to sit there and see my other two sons while the bill was being signed and for them to know their brothers’ loss was not in vain,” Guffey added.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing the law. “Law enforcement, our Solicitors, they are looking for you, if you choose to do bad acts that hurt people in South Carolina, you will not get away with it,” she said.

The legislation is part of a broader effort to protect individuals online, with similar federal measures like the Take It Down Act also being enacted. These laws aim to remove exploitation from the internet, with federal penalties including up to three years for offenders targeting minors.

State leaders, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, are committed to keeping pace with digital threats. A separate measure aimed at accelerating the process of catching child predators was also signed into law recently.

Evette joins McMaster for Ceremonial Bill Signing of SC ‘Revenge Porn’ Bill
By Patrick Phillips and Mary Green Originally Published May 29, 2025 by Live 5 WCSC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster held a signing Thursday morning of a bill designed to protect South Carolinians from deepfake and revenge pornography.

House Bill H.3058, the Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act, creates a felony offense for individuals who share intimate images with the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the person depicted.

That includes AI-generated images made to look like real photos of an identifiable person.

“As technology advances, so too must our laws to keep pace with emerging threats and protect personal privacy,” McMaster said. “This legislation sends a clear message that those who harm others by sharing explicit images without their consent will be held fully accountable.”

The governor noted that while a right to privacy is not found in the United States Constitution, it is mentioned in South Carolina’s Constitution.

“So we have a basis for these kinds of laws,” he said. “It can’t be challenged and that’s good news for the people of South Carolina.”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson and Rep. Chris Wooten, R-Lexington, the bill’s primary sponsor, joined McMaster for the signing.

“It’s taken a lot of work and the help of our friends in the Senate to get this passed,” Wooten said. “This is a great day in South Carolina, as we are now not the only state that does not have a revenge porn statute. I am proud to have helped mend this together.”

A first offense carries a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison. A second or subsequent offense carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison sentence of one to ten years.

The law also establishes penalties for individuals who share intimate images without the intent to cause physical, mental, economic, or reputational harm to the person depicted. A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to one year in prison. A second or subsequent offense is classified as a felony, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison.

The legislation defines “digitally forged intimate images” to include images that are created by AI or other computer or machine-generated means.

It also clarifies that a person’s consent to create or privately share an image does not imply consent for the wider distribution of the image.

Thursday morning’s signing was ceremonial because McMaster officially signed the bill on May 12 at which point the law immediately went into effect.

But before that signature earlier this month, the Palmetto State stood alone in the country as the only state that had no law on the books targeting revenge porn.

$19M early childhood education center being constructed in Spartanburg County

By Chris Lavender. Originally posted by The Post & Courier Spartanburg on May 8, 2025

DUNCAN — A $19 million early childhood education facility will soon take shape, providing additional resources in a rapidly growing section of Spartanburg County.

On schedule to open in August 2026, the 44,500-square-foot Middle Tyger Education Center at 101 S. Danzler Road will sit across from Duncan Elementary School.

The project is possible through a partnership involving SEW Eurodrive, Spartanburg County School District 5, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Middle Tyger Community Center and the S.C. General Assembly.

The school district donated 13 acres for the new center.

Lt. Gov. Pam Evette stopped on May 7 at SEW Eurodrive in Wellford to speak on the new center and efforts statewide to boost early childhood education.

“There’s also a lot of work gone into providing school choice, and education remains a top priority in South Carolina,” Evette said. “The new center for early childhood education being developed for this community at large will be a template and model, and I am hoping to talk about it all over the state with other businesses.”

The new center will have 17 classrooms and serve up to 260 children ages 6 weeks through 4K. The new center will create 25 jobs.

Middle Tyger Community Center Executive Director Haley Grau told The Post and Courier the new center will help expand the district’s current model.

“We want to make sure that we can keep serving children and provide high-quality child care,” Grau said. “This is going to be incredible for our workforce. We just want to make sure people can work and have child care.”

The average cost for child care annually in the area is about $14,000 annually or $300 per week. The new center is expected to alleviate the financial strain of child care on families in the region.

SEW Eurodrive is among the project’s supporters. The company is a global private industry that manufactures gearboxes.

“SEW Eurodrive is proud to invest in the future of this community by supporting the Middle Tyger Education Center,” said Rainer Blickle, vice president of SEW Eurodrive USA. “We believe strongly in the mission of MTCC and in the power of early education to uplift families. This project will have a lasting impact not only for our employees’ families, but for the broader economic and social health of the region.”

Former state Rep. Rita Allison, who attended a media conference at SEW Eurodrive, spoke about the new center’s innovative partnership.

“The center is going to be an economic development tool,” Allison said. “There are so many places in our state that need this model with the school district, Middle Tyger Community Center and businesses coming together with all their talents.”

The site at the corner of East Main Street and South Danzler has been cleared of trees for the new center, and construction should start in late 2025.

Grau said children with disabilities and living in poverty are prioritized in the center’s child care program enrollment process. The two-story facility will also include space for future expansion and playgrounds.

Spartanburg Academic Movement has committed $500,000 for the project. Grau said the General Assembly earmarked $3.5 million for the project.

World’s largest rubber duck makes splash in Myrtle Beach

By Haleigh West. Originally posted by ABC 15 News WPDE on May 8, 2025

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — You’re one lucky duck if you’re in Myrtle Beach this weekend, because you have the chance to see the world’s largest rubber duck!

Measuring in at 60 feet tall, known as “Mama Duck,” this is her first visit to South Carolina. Although the YMCA of Coastal Carolina said she was created right outside of Hilton Head.

She waddles around the country, making quite the splash to promote National Water Safety Month.

After Thursday morning’s hour-long inflation, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune and South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette said we can help prevent drowning, especially when the weather warms up.

“And we’re sitting on the beautiful beaches, the Intracoastal, and a city pool, or our own pool, everybody together, keep your eyes up, put your phones down. Because it takes all of us to keep our children and our friends safe,” said Lt. Gov Pamela Evette.

If you are walking through the Burroughs and Chapin pavilion, you’ll see signs with water safety tips and a QR code for resources. Mama Duck will inflate every morning between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and you can visit on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. and until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

‘Strongest MAGA woman in Congress;’ MTG visits Berkeley County Republican Women

by Perrin Moore; originally published Mon, March 31st 2025 by ABC News 4

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — One of the loudest voices in Congress visited the Lowcountry this weekend.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) was the keynote speaker at the Berkeley County Republican Women’s Annual Spring Tea in Nexton Sunday.

Greene wasn’t the only lawmaker in town, with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette also making an appearance in the Lowcountry.

“Honored to be with the strongest MAGA woman in Congress today,” Evette wrote in a post on X.

Addressing the Berkeley County crowd, Greene spoke about her Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would prohibit gender affirming care for minors and classify charges for doctors found to have conducted gender affirming care as felonies.

The bill, H.R. 1399, was referred to the Subcommittee on Health by the Committee on Ways and Means in December, with Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) and William Timmons (SC-04) listed as Palmetto State cosponsors.

The Congressional Equality Caucus said Greene’s bill would “throw parents and doctors in jail” as House Republicans work to “implement Project 2025’s assault on LGBTQI+ Americans’ rights.”

Lt. Gov. Evette attends groundbreaking at Miracle Hill Park in Rock Hill

By Lamaur Stancil, originally published February 3, 2025 in the Post & Courier Rock Hill

ROCK HILL — It’s not just a place to play.

Rock Hill’s Miracle Park, featuring a playground, a baseball field and a general-use field, emphasizes the inclusion of children with disabilities who also want to participate.

On Jan. 31, city officials led a groundbreaking ceremony for the next phases of the 15-year park, which opened in 2021 as a joint effort among Rock Hill, Winthrop University and a slew of donors.

“It’s great to have an accessible park, but we also need a place where there’s community and belonging,” said Kylie Carroll, executive director for Miracle Park, located between Eden Terrace and Cherry Road, near Winthrop.

Miracle Park, Rock Hill

Miracle Park in Rock Hill; Lamaur Stancil/staff

Throughout York County, 2025 could be a transformative year for parks. In Fort Mill, the town is preparing to receive bids for a renovation plan for Walter Y. Elisha Park.

And the York County Parks and Recreation Department in January released its strategic plan for its facilities.

At Miracle, the Phase 2 plans include adding a second baseball field, a multi-purpose field for football and pickleball, a fishing pond and more parking.

Phase 3 will place a retail space at the corner of Cherry and Richmond Drive. That will be Miracle Coffee, where adults with disabilities will be trained to work. MaxAbilities of York County, a nonprofit agency that provides assistance to people with disabilities, will run the shop.

“There’s nothing like this anywhere in the U.S. of this magnitude, serving people with disabilities as its primary objective,” said real estate developer Warren Norman at the groundbreaking event.

Miracle Field, for example, is wheelchair accessible and has a rubberized surface with painted bases, designed for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges. The dugouts there are also wheelchair friendly.

Lt. Gov. Evette says delivery of F-16 to Bulgaria is “Peace Through Strength”

By Rey Llerena, originally posted January 31, 2025 on WYFF4

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria as the country plans to develop its air force.

The aircraft was delivered in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville County facility on Friday morning, with top Bulgarian defense officials in attendance.

“With the acquisition of this multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we’re marking the beginning of the modernization of our combat aviation,” said Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s minister of defense.

Friday’s ceremony marked the first of 16 total F-16 Block 70s that will eventually be delivered to Bulgaria.

Chris Nations, Lockheed Martin’s chief F-16 test pilot, said the F-16 has been in service for more than 50 years. He said the Block 70 is the most capable version to date.

However, before the aircraft are delivered to customers, Nations said they are tested in the Upstate, where some people can hear sonic booms.

“That is the sound of freedom,” Nations said. “Realistically, what that is making sure that these jets work exactly like they’re supposed to. On the very first flight, after we’ve put the tires on and strap the wings on, I’ll take that aircraft up to over 40,000 feet in the air.”

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said these planes are one way the state is helping with national security.

“This is peace through strength,” she said. “Making sure that our allies have the equipment they need to keep their citizens safe is something we’re passionate about here. We’ve heard since President Trump took office, ‘How do we bring up the U.S.’s military might to make sure we keep our people and our country safe?'”

Lockheed Martin said there are more than 700 F-16s currently in service across Europe.

Lt. Governor Evette joins Governor McMaster as he signs two child safety bills into law

Original post publisehd by UpstateToday.com on May 30, 2024

COLUMBIA — Gov. Henry McMaster ceremoniously signed two child safety bills into law Wednesday. 

A news release from the governor’s office said McMaster and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette were joined in Columbia by members of the General Assembly and other community leaders for the two bills: House Bill 4624, the “Help Not Harm Bill,” and House Bill 3424, the “Child Online Safety Act.”

“Protecting the innocence of our state’s children is our shared responsibility, and as threats to our children emerge, we must adapt our laws to ensure their safety,” McMaster said at the signing. “These signings reflect our commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all our state’s children from damaging influences online and off. I am grateful for the support of the General Assembly and all those who have worked to bring these critical pieces of legislation to my desk.”

Help Not Harm Bill

The “Help Not Harm Bill” prohibits healthcare professionals from knowingly providing gender transition procedures to a person under 18 years of age, according to the news release. Gender transition procedures are defined as “puberty-blocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, or genital or non-genital gender reassignment surgery, used for the purpose of assisting an individual with a physical gender transition.”

The bill was first introduced in the House on Jan. 9 and ultimately passed in a 67-26 vote on May 9. It was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 18, which approved the bill in a 28-8 votes on May 2. The bill was then ratified on May 15. 

“We do not know how many surgeries have taken place in South Carolina related to this issue, but one is too many,” State Rep. Davey Hiott said. “It is past time that we protect our children.”

The bill also prohibits public funds from being used directly or indirectly for gender transition procedures and excludes the South Carolina Medicaid Program from reimbursing or providing coverage for these procedures under the bill’s provisions. 

The new law also stipulates parameters for current treatments. 

“If prior to August 1, 2024, a health care professional initiated a course of treatment that includes the prescription, delivery, or administration of a puberty-blocking drug or a cross-sex hormone to a person under the age of eighteen, and if the health care professional determines and documents in the person’s medical record that immediately terminating the person’s use of the drug or hormone would cause harm to the person, the health care professional may institute a period during which the person’s use of the drug or hormone is systematically reduced,” the bill reads. “That period may not extend beyond January 31, 2025.”

Child Online Safety Act 

The “Child Online Safety Act” protects minors from harmful online content by mandating websites containing 33.33 percent or more material deemed harmful to minors implement an age verification system to ensure that users under 18 years old cannot access the material.

Harmful online content is defined as “material or performances that depict sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity that an average adult applying contemporary community standards would find that the material or performance has a tendency to appeal to a prurient interest of minors in sex.” This portion of the bill is effective Jan. 1, 2025. 

“A commercial entity may not be held liable under this section for allowing access to its website if the entity uses reasonable age verification methods to verify that the individual attempting to access the material from its website is not a minor.” 

The bill was introduced in the House on Jan. 10, 2023, and ultimately passed in a 100-1 vote on May 9. It was introduced in the Senate on Feb. 1, which gave the bill approval in a 43-0 vote on May 8. The bill was also ratified on May 15. 

“The average age that a child is first exposed to this material online is 11 years old,” State Rep. Travis Moore said. “The state clearly has a compelling interest to protect our children, and that is what this bill does.”

According to the bill, it also makes websites producing obscene material or promoting child pornography or child sexual exploitation liable to an individual for damages, court costs and reasonable attorney fees, as ordered by the court and is open to class action suits.

“A tremendous body of work was developed for the promulgation of this legislation. We have put the guardrails in place to keep our children from going into digital destruction,” said State Senator Danny Verdin.