State by State · Law protects girls’ sports in K-12 and colleges
Since 2022, South Carolina law has kept girls' and women's teams female-only in public schools and public colleges, and in private schools that play them. Girls who lose a spot or face retaliation can go to court.
The law in South Carolina
Law in force · Covers K-12 and colleges
The law in detail, with sources
The law
H. 4608, “Save Women’s Sports Act,” Act No. 193 of 2022. Passed by the legislature; signed by Gov. Henry McMaster May 16, 2022, effective the same day (bill page; WBTV). Codified at S.C. Code § 59-1-500 (statute).
Who it covers
Interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural and club teams sponsored by public elementary and secondary schools and public colleges. Private schools and colleges must follow it for any team that competes against a public school or college (§ 59-1-500(B)).
Notes
Teams must be designated male, female or coed by sex at birth; female teams are closed to males; girls may play on boys’ teams only if their school has no girls’ team in that sport. The sex on a birth certificate filed at or near birth is presumed correct. Students who lose an athletic opportunity, or face retaliation for reporting a violation, can sue the school, college or athletic association; schools harmed by a violation can sue government bodies, accreditors or athletic associations; two-year limit, subject to the S.C. Tort Claims Act (§ 59-1-500(C)). The act also bars districts from paying dues to an athletic association that does not recognize all-female wrestling teams (bill summary). No court challenge found. The June 30, 2026 Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. B.P.J. / Little v. Hecox protects laws like this one (CBS News).
Athletes in ICONS-backed lawsuits
- Halle Schart, swimming, Roanoke College, from South Carolina · Gaines v. NCAA