No, incestuous relationships, including dating between siblings, are criminalized under South Carolina Code § 16-15-20, punishable as a felony with up to 5 years imprisonment. The state enforces strict moral and familial integrity laws, aligning with historical precedents dating to colonial-era statutes. Local prosecutors in Charleston and Greenville have pursued cases under this provision in recent years, reflecting persistent enforcement despite rare prosecution.
Key Regulations for Dating Siblings in South Carolina
-
Criminalization Statute: South Carolina Code § 16-15-20 explicitly prohibits “lewd and lascivious” acts between siblings, defining them as felonies regardless of consent. Violations trigger mandatory reporting to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) under § 23-3-400, mandating investigation by local sheriff’s offices.
-
Age and Consent Exceptions: No exceptions exist for adult siblings, even with mutual consent. The statute overrides common-law defenses, as affirmed in State v. Brown (2019), where the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld convictions despite arguments of personal autonomy.
-
Enforcement Priorities: The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) collaborates with SLED to investigate allegations, particularly in cases involving minors or coercion. Recent 2026 budget allocations for the Attorney General’s Office prioritize incest-related prosecutions, signaling heightened scrutiny in rural jurisdictions like Horry County.