News Summary
The Columbia City Council has postponed a crucial vote regarding the repeal of an ordinance banning conversion therapy for minors, responding to public support. LGBTQ-rights advocates celebrate the delay amid pressure to lift the ban due to potential financial losses in state funding. Council members discuss the implications of the state’s influence over local governance and the importance of community input before making a final decision before the impending July deadline.
Columbia — The Columbia City Council has decided to delay a critical vote on the potential repeal of an ordinance that bans conversion therapy for minors. This postponement follows significant public support expressed during the recent council meeting, where nearly two dozen speakers advocated for the retention of the ban.
LGBTQ-rights groups view this deferment as a victory, as it comes in the wake of legal threats from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. The council is facing pressure due to the potential loss of approximately $3.7 million in state funding, which could be withheld should the ordinance remain in effect.
In light of these financial concerns, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has raised alarms about the implications of losing state funding on the city’s ability to establish a balanced budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1. Rickenmann emphasized the necessity of gathering public input before making further decisions on the matter.
A recent budget proposed by a committee of state lawmakers contains an amendment that would penalize municipalities for maintaining conversion therapy bans. This amendment was introduced by conservative lawmaker Josh Kimbrell and indicates the state’s legislative intent to exert influence over local governance regarding this issue.
Columbia currently stands as the only city in South Carolina with a ban on conversion therapy, a practice that aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance, which was initially approved in June 2021 by a narrow 4-3 vote, has faced scrutiny from state officials.
Previously, the Attorney General labeled the ordinance as unconstitutional, yet no legal challenge has emerged following that statement. On April 22, Wilson formally demanded the repeal of the ban, warning city leaders of potential legal actions they would face if the ordinance was not withdrawn.
The council meeting drew a large crowd, leading to a full-capacity assembly in the council chambers and the opening of an overflow room. Attendees shared personal testimonies regarding the harmful effects of conversion therapy, illustrating the emotional weight of the topic for many members of the community.
City Councilman Tyler Bailey has also expressed concerns regarding the state government’s use of financing as a means to control local governance, publishing an op-ed on the same day as the council meeting to voice his apprehensions. The council must finalize their decision on the ordinance by Wilson’s July 7 deadline for action.
In addition to live speaker testimonies, the council has received a considerable number of emails urging them to uphold the conversion therapy ban. The voices from the community reflect a strong local sentiment around the issue, with many citing alignment with medical consensus; several major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, oppose conversion therapy, deeming it both ineffective and harmful.
The Columbia City Council’s deferred decision illustrates the complicated interplay between financial implications and community support regarding the ban on conversion therapy for minors. The outcome of this issue will likely have significant ramifications not only for the city’s budget but also for the rights and well-being of its youth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia City Council Delays Conversion Therapy Ban Decision
Columbia Prepares for Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy Ban
Additional Resources
- WIS News: Columbia City Council Set to Vote on Repealing Conversion Therapy Ban
- The State: Local News on Columbia’s Conversion Therapy Ban
- WLTX: Columbia City Council’s Decision on Conversion Therapy
- ABC Columbia: Columbia Holds Off Vote on Conversion Therapy Ban
- Wikipedia: Conversion Therapy
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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