News Summary
The Columbia City Council will vote on a proposed repeal of the conversion therapy ban for minors, originally enacted in 2021. The decision follows pressure from the state Attorney General, and could lead to a significant loss of funding for city services. Community members voiced strong opposition against the repeal during a council meeting, emphasizing concerns over mental health implications. This decision will impact not only local counseling practices but also highlight the ongoing debate surrounding religious freedom and mental health care standards.
Columbia – The Columbia City Council is scheduled to vote on May 27, 2025, regarding the repeal of a 2021 ban on conversion therapy for minors, a topic that has sparked significant debate in the community. The vote was initially deferred on May 20, 2025, and a special meeting is set to occur at 3 p.m. in the council chambers at Columbia City Hall.
The proposed repeal follows a letter from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who contends that the ban is illegal, arguing that it infringes on religious freedom and limits professional discretion in counseling practices. Wilson’s position has intensified the pressure on the City Council to make a decision, particularly as the state is considering a budget proviso that could result in Columbia losing approximately $3.7 million in state funding if the ban remains in place. This potential loss could directly impact essential city services, including police, fire, and recreation.
The conversion therapy ban was adopted by the Columbia City Council in June 2021 with a narrow 4-3 vote. It prohibits licensed therapists from conducting conversion therapy but does not penalize those who are non-licensed. Conversion therapy aims to alter an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity and has been widely criticized by numerous medical associations, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. These organizations assert that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but also harmful to individuals, particularly minors.
During a public council meeting on May 20, many community members, including those who have been affected by conversion therapy, mental health professionals, and activists, voiced their concerns and urged the council to uphold the ban. Despite significant public opposition to the repeal, the council is being urged to act quickly, as they face a deadline to decide before July 7. Councilman Tyler Bailey has expressed concerns regarding the legislative pressures surrounding the financial implications of the decision.
Background on the issue reveals that this is not the first time the legality of the conversion therapy ban has been questioned. In 2022, Attorney General Wilson issued a prior opinion indicating that the ordinance might breach state law, particularly in light of the state legislature’s Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, which prohibits municipalities from governing psychological therapy standards. This legal backdrop adds another layer of complexity to the council’s decision-making process.
Conversion therapy remains a divisive issue within the broader context of debates on religious rights and local governance throughout South Carolina. Currently, Columbia stands as the only city within the state to enforce a prohibition against this practice, a distinction that has drawn both support and opposition within the community.
As the date of the vote approaches, the council continues to receive feedback from a variety of constituents with many residents advocating for the ban’s preservation due to concerns about the mental health implications of conversion therapy practices. The council’s ultimate decision regarding the repeal will not only shape the future of mental health practices within Columbia but will also send a message about the city’s stance on the intersection of mental health, sexual orientation, and religious freedom.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia City Council Delays Vote on Conversion Therapy Ban Repeal
Columbia City Council Delays Vote on Conversion Therapy Ban
Columbia City Council Delays Conversion Therapy Ban Decision
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Conversion Therapy
- WLTX
- Google Search: Conversion Therapy Ban South Carolina
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Google Scholar: Conversion Therapy Legislation
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conversion Therapy
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Columbia Conversion Therapy Vote
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