Amended

May 13, 2026

 

S. 1038

 

Introduced by Senator Massey

 

S. Printed 5/13/26--H.

Read the first time April 22, 2026

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-340 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE FIRST DAY OF MARCH OF EACH YEAR AS "RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

    Amend Title To Conform

 

Whereas, religious liberty is a God-given right and one of the foundational principles upon which both the United States and the State of South Carolina were established; and

 

Whereas, the Constitution of South Carolina of 1790 declared that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship shall forever be allowed in this State, without discrimination or preference; and

 

Whereas, our rights do not come from government, but are God-given, and government's duty is to protect them; and

 

Whereas, on January 15, 2025, representatives of many faiths joined together for the inaugural South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference for the purpose of celebrating and promoting the Palmetto State's historic and contemporary embrace of the freedom of religion and conscience; and

 

Whereas, the inaugural South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference was hosted by the University of South Carolina's Rice School of Law; and

 

Whereas, on January 8, 2026, the Second Annual South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference was convened in the chamber of the South Carolina House of Representatives, which continued the multifaith discussion on the importance of religious liberty in our State and nation; and

 

Whereas, in addition to legal scholars and elected officials, presenters at the South Carolina Religious Liberty Conferences have included representatives of many various faiths; and

 

Whereas, by acclamation of the participants in the inaugural South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference, it was resolved to promote contemporary support for the principles of religious liberty by petitioning the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize South Carolina's unique history in promoting and safeguarding the members of a free society's right to worship when, where, and how their conscience may dictate, as first guaranteed by the South Carolina Constitution; and

 

Whereas, this daring and historic masterpiece is a source of pride for all South Carolinians and a reason for all of our citizens to embrace, support, and celebrate our state's legacy and leadership in the promotion of religious liberty; and

 

Whereas, as the result of the inaugural South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference, and the resolution and recommendation thereof, the South Carolina House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 4036, formally declaring March 1, 2025, as "South Carolina, First in Religious Liberty Day"; and

 

Whereas, by acclamation of the participants in the Second Annual South Carolina Religious Liberty Conference, it was resolved to expand upon House Resolution 4036 by petitioning the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize and honor South Carolina's unique history in promoting and safeguarding the members of a free society's right to worship when, where, and how their conscience may dictate, as continuously guaranteed by the state constitution, by enacting in permanent law that the first day of March of each year be designated as "Religious Liberty Day" in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, while South Carolina has been a beacon of religious liberty, its history also includes periods where the ideals of freedom were not fully realized. Let us honor South Carolina's contributions to the cause of religious liberty while committing ourselves to continue to learn from the lessons of our past and ensure these sacred freedoms extend to all. Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 3, Title 53 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 53-3-340.  The first day of March of each year is designated as "Religious Liberty Day" in South Carolina.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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