Recognition of same-sex unions in South Carolina

Under present day South Carolina law, same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships are not recognized.

Amendment 1 (2006)
In 2006, South Carolina voters adopted South Carolina Amendment 1 by 78%, that amended the constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions in the U.S. state. However, the amendment explicitly disavows any effort to prevent private contracts between same-sex partners from being recognized.

Civil Union Equality Act
On January 13, 2009, the Civil Union Equality Act—a bill to establish civil unions explicitly for same-sex couples only—was introduced in the South Carolina Senate by State Senator Robert Ford of Charleston, South Carolina. The measure would provide all the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples if it becomes the law. The act would take effect upon signature from the governor.

The bill was immediately referred to the senate Judiciary committee, on January 13, 2009. As of May 2009, the bill's status was unchanged.

It is still unknown whether or not the bill would conflict with Amendment 1 if successfully passed.