S.C. Code Ann. § 1-13-80
(A) It is an unlawful employment practice for an employer:
(C) It is an unlawful employment practice for a labor organization:
(D) It is an unlawful employment practice for a covered entity:
(I) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter:
(7) It is not unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization:
(ii) to observe the terms of a bona fide seniority system or a bona fide employee benefit plan such as retirement, pension, or insurance plan which is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this chapter except that no employee benefit plan may excuse the failure to hire an individual.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subitem (ii), no seniority system or employee benefit plan may require or permit the involuntary retirement of an individual covered by the provisions of this chapter relating to age because of the age of the individual; however, employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement which was in effect on June 30, 1986, and which would otherwise be prohibited by the provisions of this subitem, this subitem takes effect upon the termination of the agreement or on January 1, 1990, whichever occurs first.
(12) It is not unlawful for an employer which is the State, a political subdivision of the State, an agency or instrumentality of the State or of a political subdivision of the State, or an interstate agency to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge an individual because of the individual's age if the action is taken:
(ii) pursuant to a bona fide hiring or retirement plan that is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this chapter.
This item is effective until December 31, 1993.
The term "firefighter" means an employee the duties of whose position are primarily to perform work directly connected with the control and extinguishment of fires or the maintenance and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment, including an employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position.
The term "law enforcement officer" means an employee the duties of whose position are primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the State, including an employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position. For the purpose of this item, "detention" includes the duties of employees assigned to guard individuals incarcerated in a penal institution.
Nothing contained in items (8), (10), and (12) may override Sections 9-1-1530 and 9-1-1537.