TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 8-1-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO AGENCY, OFFICIAL, OR EMPLOYEE OF THIS STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF SHALL ENFORCE OR IMPOSE A CIVIL, ADMINISTRATIVE, OR CRIMINAL SANCTION OR PENALTY WHICH PENALIZES OR OTHERWISE PUNISHES IN ANY MANNER AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY FOR ITS REFUSAL TO PROVIDE GOODS OR SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH A MARRIAGE OF TWO INDIVIDUALS OF LIKE GENDER.

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

SECTION    1.    Chapter 1, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-1-15.    No agency, official, or employee of this State or any political subdivision thereof shall enforce or impose a civil, administrative, or criminal sanction or penalty which penalizes or otherwise punishes in any manner an individual or entity for its refusal to provide goods or services in connection with a marriage of two individuals of like gender."

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