COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster has signed legislation officially designating March 1st as Religious Liberty Day in South Carolina. The new law permanently establishes this annual observance, celebrating the state’s longstanding commitment to religious liberty for all.
The law affirms that religious liberty is a God-given right and one of the foundational principles upon which both the United States and South Carolina were established.
Elder David Winters, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who chaired the January 2026 Religious Liberty Conference in the State House, said: “Religious liberty is one of the great blessings of our nation and of South Carolina’s heritage. We are grateful for this meaningful recognition of the sacred right of every person to worship according to the dictates of conscience. It is especially inspiring to see people of many different faiths working together in a spirit of friendship, unity, and mutual respect to preserve and strengthen this precious freedom for future generations.”
Senator Shane Massey, sponsor of the law and Senator for District 25 representing Aiken, Edgefield, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda counties, stated, “South Carolina has long stood as a beacon of religious liberty. By designating March 1st as Religious Liberty Day, we honor our state’s history and protect the God-given right of every citizen to worship according to their conscience.”
Honoring South Carolina’s Historic Legacy
This designation is especially meaningful during the America 250 celebrations. On March 1, 1669, the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina became the first foundational governmental guarantee of religious liberty in the Americas. That pioneering document allowed diverse beliefs to coexist without persecution and helped establish South Carolina’s enduring tradition of religious freedom.
Rabbi Yossi Refson remarked “Long before any of us arrived, the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina opened her doors to ‘Jews, heathens, and other dissenters.’ Our community and so many others are the grateful inheritors of that quiet act of welcome. Religious Liberty Day is, for
us, a humble thank-you to those who long ago made room for the rest of us — and a prayer that we will go on making room for one another.”
Built on Interfaith Collaboration
The new law grew from broad interfaith collaboration at the South Carolina Religious Liberty Conferences held in January of 2025 and 2026. The conferences, organized by local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, drew strong participation from Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Greek Orthodox, and other Christian traditions. Lt. Governor Pamela Evette and General Authority Elder Alexander Dushku of The Church of Jesus Christ delivered keynote remarks at the 2026 State House gathering. Both legislative and religious leaders participated in panel discussions focused on unity and safeguarding religious liberty for all South Carolinians.
Judge Alan Clemmons, a former longtime state legislator, provided important leadership for the initiative. “Our annual conference brings together a wonderful array of faith-loving South Carolinians who are united in support and advocacy for the freedom of religion,” he said.
Rep. Shannon Erickson, who shepherded the legislation in the House as representative for District 124 (Beaufort County), added, “This law strengthens South Carolina’s legacy of freedom by ensuring we never forget our foundational commitment to religious liberty for all people of faith.”
Governor Henry McMaster remarked, “Faith has always strengthened the fabric of South Carolina. This law celebrates our historic commitment to religious liberty and demonstrates the power of people from different faiths coming together with mutual respect for the good of our state and future generations.”
Organizers expressed deep appreciation to Senator Massey, Rep. Erickson, the General Assembly for its unanimous support, Governor McMaster, Judge Clemmons, Lt. Governor Evette, Elder Dushku, and all interfaith participants who helped advance this milestone.
The new law honors South Carolina’s proud legacy while inspiring renewed efforts to safeguard religious freedom for every South Carolinian now and for generations to come.
For more information, visit screligiousliberty.org.
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