(A) This chapter applies to all state and local laws and ordinances and the implementation of those laws and ordinances, whether statutory or otherwise, and whether adopted before or after the effective date of this act. (B) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to authorize the State to burden any religious belief. (C) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to affect, interpret, or in any way address: (1) that portion of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibiting laws respecting the establishment of religion; (2) that portion of Article I, Section 2 of the State Constitution prohibiting laws respecting the establishment of religion. (D) Granting state funding, benefits, or exemptions, to the extent permissible under the constitutional provisions enumerated in subsection (C)(1) and (2), does not constitute a violation of this chapter. As used in this subsection, 'granting', with respect to state funding, benefits, or exemptions, does not include the denial of government funding, benefits, or exemptions. HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 38, Section 1.
South Carolina Legal Code