News Summary
Five influential lawmakers from South Carolina will participate in a bipartisan dialogue on women’s leadership at Wofford College in Spartanburg. The event, part of ‘A Candid Conversation’ series, aims to foster civil dialogue among various political voices. The Sister Senators, known for their efforts in championing women’s rights, gained national attention with their successful filibuster against a proposed abortion ban. This event highlights the ongoing need for female representation in state politics.
Spartanburg, South Carolina
The South Carolina Sister Senators will gather at Wofford College on September 29 for a bipartisan discussion centered on women’s leadership and state politics. This event is designed to foster a civil dialogue among a variety of political voices.
The Sister Senators include five influential lawmakers from both sides of the aisle: Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Mia McLeod (I-Richland), Sandy Senn (R-Charleston), Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), and Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton). The bipartisan group is recognized for championing women’s rights while operating across party lines.
This discussion is part of the larger “A Candid Conversation” series, which aims to encourage respectful exchanges of ideas among lawmakers with differing viewpoints. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event starting at 6 p.m. The discussion will be moderated by former Representative Rita Allison (R-Spartanburg). Attendees are welcome to join without pre-registration.
The Sister Senators gained national attention earlier in 2023 when they successfully filibustered a proposed abortion ban bill that would have implemented a near-total prohibition on abortion from conception, with very few exceptions for cases of rape or incest during the first trimester. This controversial bill was narrowly defeated in the state Senate, with a vote of 22-21.
For their efforts against the abortion prohibition, the Sister Senators were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2023. This recognition underscores their commitment to bipartisan collaboration amid a politically charged climate.
Nationally, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within state legislatures. In South Carolina, only five of the Senate’s 46 seats are held by women, placing the state in a notable position where legislative female representation ranks 49th in the United States. This situation emphasizes the ongoing need for increased female representation in the political arena, a sentiment that propelled the formation of the Sister Senators coalition as a response to the challenges faced in a predominantly male environment.
The backdrop of their activism also includes the revision of South Carolina’s abortion law, which now permits abortions after cardiac activity is detected, usually around the six-week mark. This law currently faces review by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
In addition to their legislative work, the Sister Senators’ unique coalition is the focus of a documentary directed by Emily Harrold and produced by Robin Hessman. This project chronicles their journey and efforts to bridge divides within the current political landscape.
Following their high-profile actions in the Senate, there has been increased scrutiny regarding the electoral consequences for the Republican senators who participated in the filibuster. These senators lost their primary races in June 2024, signaling potential repercussions for crossing traditional party lines on a divisive issue like abortion legislation.
The narrative surrounding the Sister Senators not only highlights the ongoing challenges women face in political representation but also underscores their commitment to creating a more inclusive dialogue on significant issues affecting women and families in South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Count on 2
- Post and Courier
- Variety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sister Senators
- NBC News
- Fitsnews
- Google Search: Sister Senators
- SC Daily Gazette
- The State
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
