Social Policy
South Carolina Social Issues Guide 2026
South Carolina social policy at a glance: abortion laws, gun regulations, LGBTQ+ protections, marijuana status, and how these issues shape the 2026 elections.
6-Week Ban
Abortion Status
Very Permissive
Gun Laws
No Protections
LGBTQ+ Rights
$7.25 (federal)
Minimum Wage
Abortion Laws in South Carolina
6-Week Ban
Fetal Heartbeat Protection Act (2023)
6-week ban (after fetal heartbeat detection)
Gun Laws in South Carolina
Very Permissive
Permitless carry (2023); no red flag law; few restrictions
LGBTQ+ Rights in South Carolina
No Protections
No anti-discrimination protections; anti-trans legislation active
Other Key Issues
| Marijuana | Illegal; one of few remaining total prohibition states |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 (federal) |
2026 Political Context
South Carolina is safely Republican. Nikki Haley and Tim Scott both ran for president, reflecting the state\'s outsized influence in GOP primaries (first-in-South primary).