Lawmakers need only understand that trans people have same rights as all other people | Opinion

Understanding required

I speak as the nephew of state Sen. Richard Cash, as someone with a non-binary partner and as the son of a career educator.

I stand strongly opposed to HB 4624. This bill, from a party which claims to champion parental rights, strips away the rights of parents and adults to make healthcare decisions.

This bill is not about protecting children, otherwise the legislature would be pushing through a bill to feed the 1 in 8 hungry children in this state (according to Feeding America), or bolstering their access to public education.

Instead, it is attempting to undermine the rights of parents to seek healthcare for their children and goes against the advice of experts in the fields of pediatric medicine and education.

Not only would this bill directly harm some of the most vulnerable children and adults in South Carolina, it would also strip teachers of their autonomy and the nuance of context, and further harm our struggling educational system.

To those unsure how to feel about this bill, you don’t need to understand what it is to be trans, you just need to respect that these people have the same rights as the rest of us.you don’t need to understand what it is to be trans, you just need to respect that these people have the same rights as the rest of us.

Barham Williams, Camden

Use wisdom to avoid war

It is not surprising, but it is disappointing that our senators, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, are again calling for a more aggressive stance towards Iran.

After Iran attacked Israel in response to Israel’s bombing of their consulate, Graham and Scott were calling for decisive action and support for Israel in its retaliation.

Graham stated, “We need to make it clear to Iran that if they attack Israel, the regime becomes a target.”

Scott lambasted Biden for asking Israel to show restraint towards Iran.

This current conflict with Iran is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s larger recklessness.

He has already completely lost the international community for his actions in Gaza, which have left more than 30,000 people dead and more than 70,000 injured.

The human rights abuses and war crimes are immense.

Netanyahu is also deeply unpopular with many in his own nation; therefore, he needs endless war to remain in power and avoid any type of accountability.

Netanyahu’s ultimate goal is to drag the U.S. into war.

You would hope that leaders like Graham who have pushed for every single war in recent memory, including those that have been disastrous like Iraq, would have a little more wisdom and humility before pushing us to go to war with Iran.

Of course, it will not be Graham or Scott fighting. It will be sons and daughters of South Carolinians, many who would lose their children for an avoidable and unnecessary war.

William McCorkle, Summerville

Vote for our children

Note: The writer is the state manager for Save the Children.

As a South Carolina native and mom of two, I understand elections profoundly impact policies and decisions that affect our children’s lives.

By participating in elections, we have the power to elect leaders who prioritize the needs of our children and advocate for their best interests.

In South Carolina, voter turnout has been low in recent years.

We have several upcoming congressional seats up for reelection.

Many eligible voters stay on the sidelines, assuming their vote won’t make a difference. How can we become outraged when there is a lack of support for feeding children in South Carolina when we don’t take part in the one action that makes our voices heard the loudest?

I know life gets busy, and voting may not be a priority; however, remember that our children’s future is at stake.

Children are not old enough to vote, so they rely on us to advocate and create a society that nurtures their growth and potential.

With the 2024 election fast approaching, it is critical to prioritize kids’ issues at the local, state and national levels.

Let’s set an example for our children. We are stronger when we work as one powerful voice for kids.

Hafeezah Yates, Summerville