Republican opponent of trans healthcare jailed over child abuse images

A former Republican state lawmaker in the United States who repeatedly warned that trans healthcare “harms” children has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for offences involving child sexual abuse imagery.

RJ May III, a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, was sentenced in federal court this week to more than 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Prosecutors said May shared hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children via online platforms. The court was told the material included some of the most extreme content encountered by investigators. Following his release, May will be subject to decades of supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

May served in the South Carolina legislature from 2020 until his resignation in 2025, after his arrest on federal charges. During his time in office, he was an outspoken opponent of gender-affirming healthcare for trans minors, frequently claiming such care endangered children. He also supported legislation restricting trans participation in sports and limiting drag performances, presenting these positions as measures to protect young people.

At sentencing, the judge rejected a request from May’s legal team for a substantially reduced term, citing the seriousness of the offences and the scale of the material involved. While the sentence was slightly below what prosecutors had sought, the court said a lengthy term was necessary to reflect the gravity of the crimes and to protect the public.